Well over half of the people who attempt suicide are depressed. Often one factor, such as a disruption in an important relationship, is seen as the last straw. Depression combined with a physical illness may lead to a suicide attempt. A physical disability, especially one that is chronic or painful, is more likely to end in a completed suicide. Physical illness, particularly one that is serious, chronic, and painful, plays an important role in about 20 percent of the suicides among elderly people.
Suicide is often the final act in a course of self-destructive behavior.
Attempted suicide is more likely among battered wives, many of whom were also abused as children. Alcohol increases the risk of suicidal behavior by worsening feelings of depression and by diminishing self-control. About half of those who attempt suicide are intoxicated at the time of the attempt. Since alcoholism itself, particularly binge drinking, often causes deep feelings of remorse in the intervening periods, alcoholics are particularly suicide-prone even when sober. Violent self-injury may occur during a deep but temporary depressive mood swing.