Why do people have suicidal thoughts?

Suicidal thoughts : Can occur for many reasons but usually involve a desperate search for an escape or relief from pain, shame, humiliation, embarrassment, or undesired consequences (prison, illness, divorce, exposure of a secret) or as a way to punish self or others. When someone feels depressed, helpless and hopeless, death may seem like the only answer. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.