Causes There is no one cause of suicide and no one commits suicide because of any one event or happening in their life. Rather suicide comes about through the gradual wearing away of a person's ability to cope with various stresses and pain. A troubled childhood, often with multiple and changing parent figures, substance abuse, problems in school or with the law, and losses of loved ones are among the things that may contribute to growing feelings of helplessness and hopelessness.
Clinical depression is often a factor.
Self medicating the bad feelings with alcohol or other drugs also often contribute to the downward spiral. In many cases a trigger event may be identified. Often, especially in young people, this trigger event involves the break up of a boyfriend or girlfriend, a fight with a parent, the loss of a job, being arrested, or the death of a someone close. Christmas time, anniversary or birthday of a close ones death may also trigger suicidal behavior as this person is more greatly missed at this time of year.