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Information presented in this article may be triggering to some people.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
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For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Does thinking about death all the time mean that you’re depressed?
Preoccupation with death can be a symptom of depression and other mental illnesses.
What Might Cause Thoughts of Death?
If you are always thinking about death, it is normal to wonder if you might be depressed.
Depression is one cause, but other factors might cause you to think about death often.
Depression
Thinking about death or wishing you were dead can be a symptom of depression.
If you are also experiencing other symptoms, it is essential to talk to a doctor.
OCD involves experiencing obsessions and/or compulsions that interfere with your daily life or cause distress.
Research has found that having OCD significantly increases a person’s risk of experiencing suicidal ideation.
PTSD is a condition that can occur after a person has experienced a traumatic event.
In addition to flashbacks, anxiety, and nightmares, people also experience intrusive thoughts.
Research has found that PTSD is a risk factor for suicide.
Grief
Losing a loved one can also cause people to experience a preoccupation with death.
You might think of death often or even find yourself wishing for your own death.
Passive Suicidal Ideation
Passive suicidal ideation involves thinking about death to a marked degree.
If someone in your life suggests or states that they wish they were dead, always take them seriously.
Passive suicidal ideation can quickly become active.
You may feel guilty and as though you are a burden to others.
You may be hopeless and convinced that your life will never get better.
Research shows thatdecision-making processes are alteredwhen someone attempts suicide.
These resources are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
From there, it’s possible for you to reach out to the appropriate resources for help.
While the feelings you are having may be intense and distressing, attempt to remember that they will pass.
When you are depressed it can be difficult to recognize that you have an impact on others.
If you reach out to them, chances are they will be more than willing to support you.
You may need to change or increase your medication, begin psychotherapy, or pursueinpatient/outpatient mental health treatment.
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