Depression and Suicidal Ideation: A Comprehensive Review of Psychological Predictors, Clinical Risk Factors, and Mental Health Policies

Author(s): Ganesh Sahebrao Zire and Dr. Sateesh Surye

Abstract:

Depression is one of the most prevalent psychiatric disorders and a major contributor to global disability and public health burden. It affects emotional well-being, cognitive functioning, interpersonal relationships, occupational performance, and overall quality of life across different age groups and sociocultural settings (World Health Organization, 2023). One of the most serious clinical outcomes associated with depression is suicidal ideation, which may range from passive thoughts of death to active planning of self-harm or suicide attempts. According to the World Health Organization (2021), more than 700,000 individuals die by suicide annually, making suicide a major global public health concern. The present review paper critically examines existing literature related to depression and suicidal ideation from psychological, clinical, and public health perspectives. Information for the review was collected from psychiatric textbooks, empirical research studies, global health reports, and national mental health policy documents. The review focuses on psychological predictors such as emotional competence, impulsivity, hopelessness, cognitive vulnerability, and social isolation, along with clinical risk factors including psychiatric comorbidity, previous suicide attempts, substance use, chronic medical illness, and treatment-related factors. The paper also examines global suicide trends, Indian mental health legislation, community-based mental healthcare initiatives, and policy implications for suicide prevention. The findings highlight the importance of early identification, evidence-based psychological assessment, timely intervention, and effective implementation of mental health policies for reducing suicide risk among individuals experiencing depression.

keywords:
Depression, suicidal ideation, emotional competence, impulsivity, suicide prevention

Pages: 156-160     |    29 View     |    2 Download