The Relationship Between Courage and Suicide Ideation

By CB Bowman-Ottomanelli MCEC, CMC, CVP, CVF — SPEAKER, FACILITATOR, AUTHOR

I am not a doctor or therapist, social worker, or psychologist. Please seek the proper support immediately if you experience thoughts of suicide.

My goal is to remove the stigma associated with mental health by supporting those caretakers, friends, and colleagues who can offer help. In addition, I want to aid all of us in understanding and supporting those who need and desire our guidance through our understanding of the challenges both sides face—let’s help those suffering in silence.

Courage is a complex trait encompassing a range of qualities, such as bravery, determination, and resilience, and is often associated with the ability to face and overcome challenging situations. Suicide ideation, on the other hand, refers to the thoughts, fantasies, or impulses a person may have about ending their own life. Although these two concepts may seem unrelated initially, research suggests a complex relationship between courage and suicide ideation.

One way courage may be related to suicide ideation is through the concept of psychological distress. Psychological distress is a range of negative emotions, such as anxiety, depression, and hopelessness, that can be overwhelming and debilitating. In situations where an individual is experiencing significant psychological distress, they may begin to feel that there is no way out of their situation and that suicide is the only solution. However, suppose an individual possesses the courage to seek help, reach out to others, and engage in self-care. In that case, they may be able to reduce their psychological distress and lessen the likelihood of suicide ideation.

Courage may also be related to suicide ideation through the concept of resilience. Resilience refers to the ability to bounce back from adversity and to cope effectively with life’s challenges. Individuals with high resilience may be better equipped to navigate difficult situations and less likely to experience suicidal ideation. However, if an individual lacks resilience, they may be more vulnerable to psychological distress, increasing their risk of suicide ideation.

Another way courage may be related to suicide ideation is through the concept of coping strategies. Coping strategies refer to individuals’ behaviors and thinking processes to manage stress and cope with difficult situations. Individuals with effective coping strategies, such as problem-solving and positive thinking, may be less likely to experience suicidal ideation. However, if an individual lacks effective coping strategies, they may resort to harmful coping mechanisms, such as substance abuse or self-harm, increasing their risk of suicidal ideation.

Evidence suggests that courage may be related to suicide ideation through the concept of social support. Social support refers to the assistance and comfort individuals receive from others in need. Individuals with strong social support networks may be less likely to experience suicidal ideation as they have access to resources and people who can help them during difficult times. However, individuals lacking social support may feel isolated and alone, increasing their risk of suicidal ideation.

It is also important to note that the relationship between courage and suicide ideation is not always straightforward. For example, research suggests that individuals who possess high levels of courage may be more likely to engage in risky behaviors, which can increase their risk of suicidal ideation. Additionally, individuals with high courage may be more likely to conceal their suicidal thoughts and feelings, making it difficult for others to identify and provide support.

The relationship between courage and suicide ideation is complex and multifaceted. While possessing courage can be a protective factor against suicide ideation, it is essential to recognize that it is not a foolproof solution. Individuals experiencing psychological distress, lacking resilience, effective coping strategies, or social support may still be at risk of suicidal ideation, despite possessing high levels of courage. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals who are struggling with suicidal ideation to seek professional help and support from others, regardless of their level of courage. Additionally, society as a whole needs to work towards reducing the stigma associated with mental health and suicide and provide more resources and support to individuals who are struggling. Listen to a 2-part podcast about how a top industry leader, former Professor of Global Leadership, and Executive Director of China Initiatives at Thunderbird School of Global Management, Doug Guthrie, successfully fought suicide ideation: 

Part 1: https://courage-consulting.com/cb-live-courage-to-leap-lead-with-doug-guthrie-part-1-episode-121/

Part 2: https://courage-consulting.com/122-cb-live-courage-to-leap-lead-with-doug-guthrie-part-2/