Suicidal Thoughts: Awareness, Prevention, and Treatment

September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, a time to shed light on the often-hidden struggle of suicidal thoughts. Millions of people worldwide are affected by suicidal ideation, yet many suffer in silence due to stigma, fear, or lack of awareness. 

Understanding what suicidal thoughts are, why they occur, and what to do if you or a loved one is at risk can be lifesaving. 

What are suicidal thoughts? 

Suicidal thoughts, also known as suicidal ideation, range from fleeting ideas about ending one’s life to detailed planning of a suicide attempt. They can be passive, where someone imagines dying without action, or active, where there’s intent and preparation to cause self-harm. 

These thoughts can vary in severity. Some people may not want to end their life: they may want an escape from their emotional or physical pain. Regardless, suicidal thoughts are a sign that someone is struggling and needs support. 

Why do people experience suicidal thoughts?

Suicidal thoughts often stem from feelings of hopelessness, isolation, or intense emotional pain. When you’re experiencing these emotions, it’s difficult to remember that there are other ways to manage the pain. 

People may experience them for a myriad of reasons, such as: 

• Mental health disorders: Conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and personality disorders increase the risk of suicidal ideation. 

• Trauma or loss: Significant life changes such as the death of a loved one, relationship breakdowns, or job loss can trigger thoughts of suicide. 

• Chronic illness or pain: People facing long-term physical health problems may feel overwhelmed and consider suicide a way to escape their suffering. 

• Substance abuse: Drugs and alcohol can impair judgment and increase impulsivity, leading to suicidal thoughts and actions. 

• Bullying or abuse: Victims of bullying, domestic violence, or any form of abuse may feel trapped and believe there is no way out other than suicide. 

Who’s at risk?

Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, socioeconomic status, or background.  

However, some groups are at a higher risk: 

• Teens and young adults: Young people, particularly those grappling with peer pressure, identity issues, or academic stress, may experience suicidal ideation. 

• LGBTQ+ individuals: People in the LGBTQ+ community face higher rates of suicide attempts due to stigma, discrimination, and isolation. According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, 45% of LGBTQ+ youth experience serious thoughts of suicide. 

• Veterans: Combat exposure and post-traumatic stress often contribute to a higher suicide risk among military veterans. 

• Older adults: Seniors dealing with loneliness, chronic illness, or the loss of loved ones may be more vulnerable to suicidal thoughts. 

• Individuals with a family history of suicide: A history of suicide in the family can increase the risk due to genetic factors and learned behavior. 

What to look for: Behavior and symptoms

Recognizing the warning signs of suicidal ideation is crucial for intervention. Some common indicators include: 

• Verbal cues: Statements like “I wish I were dead” or “I can’t go on anymore” should never be dismissed. 

• Withdrawal: Isolating oneself from friends, family, or activities that once brought joy. 

• Sudden mood changes: Going from extreme sadness to calm or happiness, as if the person has made a final decision. 

• Risk-taking behaviors: Engaging in dangerous activities like reckless driving or substance abuse. 

• Giving away possessions: When someone begins to give away cherished items, it may indicate they are preparing for the end. 

• Increased talk of death: A preoccupation with themes of death or suicide in conversation, art, or writing. 

Treatment  

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, immediate action is critical. Suicidal ideation is a medical emergency and should be treated as such. 

• Crisis intervention: In an acute crisis, contacting a suicide prevention hotline like the ones provided below, or going to an emergency room, can provide immediate help. Crisis intervention teams are trained to offer support in moments of extreme distress. 

• Safety planning: Developing a safety plan with a healthcare provider can help individuals identify triggers, coping strategies, and supportive contacts to reach out to during moments of crisis.
  

Less immediate and longer-term treatment options include:  

• Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) have been shown to help individuals cope with negative thought patterns and emotional distress. Both therapies focus on changing harmful behaviors and developing problem-solving strategies. 

• Medication: Antidepressants, mood stabilizers, or antipsychotics may be prescribed to treat underlying mental health conditions contributing to suicidal ideation. 

• Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS): If depression, or depression with anxiety, is causing you to feel hopeless, TMS therapy may be an option for remission. TMS treatments use focused magnetic pulses to reignite dormant synapses in the brain and help your brain function the way it was meant to.
  

Resources for immediate help 

If you or someone you love is at risk of self-harm or suicide, reach out to one of the following resources: 

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or 988. Available 24/7 for confidential support. 

• Crisis Text Line: Text “HELLO” to 741741 to speak with a trained counselor. 

• The Trevor Project: For LGBTQ+ youth, call 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 678678. 

• Veterans Crisis Line: For veterans, dial 988, then press 1, or text 838255. 

• Local emergency services: If you believe someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency number. 

It’s okay to talk about suicide 

Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month is a reminder that no one must face these thoughts alone. Help is always available.  

And while it can feel scary to ask for help, talking about these thoughts is important. Remember, suicidal thoughts are a symptom. These symptoms can be managed with the right resources and support. 

You’re not alone. If you’re experiencing challenges, if you’re in pain and having frightening thoughts, we can help.