Psychache – When Pain Becomes Unbearable

Suicide Awareness - Post 6

Psychologist Edwin Shneidman introduced a powerful word: psychache. It means unbearable psychological pain — the torment of the mind and heart that feels unending.

When Pain Exceeds Coping

According to Shneidman, suicide happens when someone’s pain exceeds their resources to cope. It’s not about wanting to die — it’s about wanting the pain to stop.

Psychache can come from many sources:

• Grief

• Trauma

• Humiliation

• Shame

• Loss of identity

• Loneliness

When this pain becomes intolerable, suicide can appear as the only way out.

The Invisible Ache

Unlike physical wounds, psychache doesn’t leave visible scars. But it’s just as real — and just as life-threatening. People may mask their pain with smiles, humor, or busyness. On the inside, though, they are unraveling.

Easing the Ache

The key to prevention is not just treating symptoms but addressing the pain itself. This can look like:

• Honest conversations where people feel safe to express their truth

• Therapy that validates pain while offering new ways to cope

• Support networks that remind people they don’t have to carry their ache alone

When pain is seen, named, and shared, it often becomes survivable.

👉 Next up: Post 7: Anchors of Hope – Protective Factors — the lifelines that tether us to life and help rebuild hope in dark seasons.