The Cost of One Impulsive Decision!

General
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Every now and then, we come across news of a youngster ending their life. When the cause is investigated, it is often related to mental health issues.

But can mental health alone make a person end their life?

A recent review on, "Understanding the Emergence of Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Adolescence from a Brain and Behavioral Developmental Perspective" (Neuropsychopharmacology, July 2025), suggests that suicide is far more complex than a single diagnosis.

The review explains that suicide or spectrum of suicidal thoughts and behaviours in youngsters is not merely a condition but a association of several factors coming together at once. Especially the growth phase of “adolescence”—a period of rapid physical, emotional, and brain development where young people may struggle to regulate emotions and cope with overwhelming stress.

The authors highlight the fact that during this particular phase, the emotional centres of the brain develop earlier than the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for planning, impulse control, and decision-making. Consequently, there is collision of thoughts and emotions leading to impulsivity during periods of intense emotional distress, often termed "negative urgency," which is a significant risk.

Most importantly, the review emphasizes that suicide is not explained by mental illness alone. It results from the interaction of multiple factors, including emotional regulation, impulse control, identity formation, and social relationships. Some quick immature decisions come out as a result of losing one’s cognitive ability to think and analyse. One such outrageous quick decision is “suicide” or spectrum of suicidal thoughts and behaviours.

Most of the time, it’s not that they can’t find people to share how they feel, but with an apprehension of sharing in the first place. Perhaps it’s time we stop asking, “What mental illness did they have?” and start asking, “What pain were they carrying that no one noticed?”

This is a singular perspective on understanding adolescents. What support do you think, is essential in such situations?

MBH/PS

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So true!! When emotional intensity develops faster than impulse control, a bad moment can quickly spiral into a permanent decision..

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The rising suicide cases in adolescence is deeply concerning. It’s really important that we as a society listen and understand their pain so they feel safe enough to open up and ease some of their burden.

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I think nothing is more supportive than a nurturing family. Just by having someone to talk to a great deal of stress is relieved and keeps such thoughts at bay. When you know you have someone you can count on even if things go bad, your mind feels at ease.

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Here, the mind plays the whole game. Mind affected by the surroundings. A healthy environment with healthy people can save them.

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Yes, during adolescence there is increased intensity of emotional impulse. On the other hand, their cognitive ability to analyse perspectives remains under-developed.

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We often judge them with a simple assertion that we’ve outgrown the same phase. But we simply ignore the pain they are dealing with.

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Totally agreed :100:. A nurturing family is the greatest gift one can have.

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Mind is the most dangerous thing in a human body. It can make you or break you, depends on the choices we make. Sometimes, when we fall apart, we definitely need a healthy circle to redirect us.

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The causes of suicidal ideation among adolescents never come singularly, instead, they are caused by emotional problems, stress, social pressure, and inability to cope.

Occasionally, it is not the problem of who you can tell, but of how brave you can be to tell. Instead of asking, “What was wrong with them?”

Let us ask, “What burdens did they carry that no one saw?”, is exactly what matters.

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Such a good post, impulse decision can lead to suicidal thoughts and so one should share their feelings and thoughts to their closed ones and that can help them to overcome any situation. Time is a big healer and one impulsive decision can cost your life and this should not happen. Seeking psychologist may help in such cases. People need to normalise seeking psychologist, councellor if they are facing any mental health issue.

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Definitely a good point! We as an elderly generation should establish a foundational support to the emerging young generations. Our testimonies should never be conventional stories instead they should be a prudent roadmap for their prospective lives.

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There’s a quote I randomly saw on the internet which says,“Time is like the wind that takes away grief.” Giving time for our emotions will help us look into any issue with different perspectives rather than jumping into quick conclusions.

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I think the most essential support is creating a safe space where adolescents feel heard without fear of judgement or criticism. Family support is most important.

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While family offers a crucial embrace for adolescents, but sometimes even those within a loving family may become absorbed by their own decisions and perspectives.

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A very important perspective. I believe the most essential support is creating a safe, non-judgmental environment where young people feel comfortable expressing their emotions. Early emotional support, active listening, mental health awareness, and timely professional help can make a significant difference before a crisis develops.

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Early emotional support can definitely prevent many tragic events way before they even manifest.

Creating a non-judgemental environment definitely helps us to protect our young generations, especially those with this spectrum.

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Suicidal cases have been increasing year after years and there can be many reasons for it like- family pressure, academics, relationship etc. Parents think taunting will teach them to be a better person but they don’t think what’s going inside of them. There’s gotta be someone whom they can share their thoughts with.