Suicidality is a complex issue that can be influenced by various factors and mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, substance abuse, and more. However, not everyone with a mental health condition will have suicidal thoughts or engage in suicidal behavior.
It’s crucial to take any mention or indication of suicide seriously and seek professional help immediately. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room. If the person is not in immediate crisis, reach out to a mental health professional, a helpline, or emergency services in your country. Many countries have suicide prevention hotlines or crisis helplines that offer support and assistance to individuals in distress. The United States Suicide Hotline is 988. If you live outside of the United States, you can find your country’s emergency number in this list.
Warning Signs of Suicidality
Recognizing the warning signs of suicidality is crucial to saving a life. While these signs may vary from person to person, some common warning signs that could indicate a person is experiencing suicidal thoughts include:
- Expressing thoughts of hopelessness or having no reason to live
- Talking about wanting to die or end one’s own life
- Engaging in reckless behavior or taking unnecessary risks
- Withdrawing from social activities and isolating from others
- Exhibiting extreme mood swings or displaying sudden changes in behavior
- Expressing feelings of being trapped or having no way out of a situation
- Giving away personal belongings or making final arrangements
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs
- Sudden improvement or calmness following a period of depression or sadness (this may indicate a decision to attempt suicide)
- A goodbye conversation
- Outpatient (OP): You’ll meet 1-2x per week with your provider and others in treatment.
- Intensive outpatient (IOP): You’ll meet 3-5x per week for several hours at a time for more intensive care.
- Partial hospitalization (PHP): You’ll meet 5-7 times a week for a full day.
- Residential: You’ll live in a rehab for 28+ days and engage in treatment with a comprehensive staff and a community of peers.
- Inpatient: You’ll live in a treatment center or hospital-like setting and have 24/7 monitoring.
Exhibiting 1 or more of these warning signs doesn’t necessarily mean that someone will attempt suicide, but they should be taken seriously to ensure the person's safety and well-being. If you notice these signs in yourself or someone else, seek professional help immediately.
Treatment for Suicidality
Treatment for suicidality typically involves a comprehensive and individualized approach that addresses the underlying factors contributing to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The first step is ensuring immediate safety. This may involve contacting emergency services or a crisis hotline for immediate support and intervention.
The next steps include seeing a mental health provider for an evaluation. A professional will assess the severity of suicidality, identify any underlying mental health conditions, and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Some people with suicidality may need a more intensive level of care to help monitor and manage their symptoms. When talking to your doctor, consider discussing which level of care best fits your needs:
Different forms of talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), help patients understand their thoughts and emotions, develop coping strategies, and learn problem-solving skills.
In some cases, medication may be prescribed to manage underlying mental health conditions that contribute to suicidality, such as depression or anxiety. Antidepressants or other psychiatric medications may be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
It's vital for people experiencing suicidality to seek professional help as early as possible. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room. The United States Suicide Hotline is 988.
Finding Hope: Help for Suicidality
Coping with suicidal thoughts can be incredibly challenging, but there are strategies and resources available to help you through this difficult time. The most important step is to reach out for help by talking to someone you trust like a friend, family member, therapist, or helpline, about what you are experiencing. Sharing your feelings and thoughts with someone who can offer support and understanding can be tremendously helpful. If you are already receiving mental health treatment, closely following your treatment plan is the key to recovery.You plan may include therapy sessions, medication, or other recommended interventions.
With the help of a mental health professional, you can create a safety plan. This plan outlines the actions you can take when you experience suicidal thoughts or feel overwhelmed. It may include identifying supportive individuals, distraction techniques, and emergency contacts. If you have access to items that could be used for self-harm, such as medications or sharp objects, it’s imperative to remove them from your environment or ask someone to help you do so. It’s crucial that you stay away from using drugs and alcohol to cope with suicidal feelings. Substance abuse can exacerbate suicidal thoughts and impair judgment.
Stay connected with friends, family, or support groups, as isolation can worsen suicidal thoughts. Reaching out and maintaining social connections can provide a sense of support and belonging. You can also focus on taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. This includes getting enough sleep, doing fun hobbies, exercising regularly, and practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.
Despite how it can feel, suicidal thoughts are temporary, and with appropriate help and support, it is possible to overcome them. Reach out to mental health professionals or helplines who can help guide you through this challenging time.
Helping a Loved One
If you know someone who is suicidal, taking their situation seriously and providing support is crucial. Encourage your loved one to seek professional help from a mental health professional or a doctor. You can offer to assist them in finding appropriate resources, scheduling appointments, and accompanying them to appointments if they are willing. Provide them with information about suicide prevention hotlines that they can contact for immediate support. Offer to make the call together if they feel comfortable.
When they’re telling you about their experience and feelings, validate their experiences. Let them know that you care and are there to support them. Be a good listener and create a safe, non-judgmental space for the person to express their thoughts and feelings. Encourage them to talk openly about what they are experiencing and assure them that they are not alone.
If your loved one is in immediate danger or at risk of harming themselves, do not leave them alone. Remove any possible means of self-harm from their environment and contact emergency services or a crisis hotline for assistance. You can work with the person to develop a safety plan that outlines steps they can take when they experience suicidal thoughts or feelings of distress. Include emergency contacts, coping strategies, and resources they can turn to for support.
When supporting someone who is suicidal, remember to prioritize your own emotional health as well. Lean on your support network and be sure to reach out to experienced professionals for advice on how to best assist the person in crisis.