Should I Tell My Therapist About Suicidal Thoughts?
Having suicidal thoughts can be an intensely scary and isolating experience. Even though it feels uncomfortable, being open with your therapist about these thoughts can provide much-needed support and potentially life-saving intervention.
Why You Should Tell Your Therapist
Therapists are trained professionals equipped to compassionately help individuals cope with suicidal ideation. Voicing these thoughts openly to your therapist signifies an important first step toward getting better.
By telling your therapist, you can discuss what specific factors may be triggering these extreme thoughts. Your therapist can then help pinpoint coping strategies, treatment plans, or lifestyle changes to help overcome them.
Being transparent also builds trust in the therapeutic relationship. This allows your therapist to best assess your situation for any safety concerns. If significant danger exists, informing your therapist makes hospitalization or other support services possible if needed to keep you safe.
How to Bring Up the Topic
Broaching this very sensitive subject can feel intimidating. Remember your therapist is there to listen without judgment. One approach is to directly state, “I have been having intense suicidal thoughts lately that I can’t stop thinking about.” You can then elaborate on when the thoughts began, how frequent they are, and what form they take.
If vocalizing specific details feels too vulnerable, speak generally instead, “I have been struggling with thoughts about suicide that really scare me.” This opens the door for your therapist to gently ask more questions while letting you disclose at your own pace.
What to Expect After Telling Your Therapist
Every competent therapist will respond professionally and caringly. They will likely ask follow up questions to gauge risk factors like: do you have a specific plan, have you ever attempted suicide before, do you live alone, and do you have social support?
Your therapist will collaborate to create an immediate safety plan. This could include things like temporarily staying with family, removing dangerous objects from your home, attending support groups, or carrying crisis hotline numbers.
They may also adjust your treatment plan by recommending starting or increasing medications, referring you to a psychiatrist for evaluation, or scheduling more frequent sessions. Revisiting this topic consistently will be essential.
Coping with Suicidal Thoughts
Even after informing your therapist, coping daily with recurrent suicidal ideation can remain very difficult. Implementing positive healthy habits alongside the support of your therapist can help overcome these challenging thoughts.
Practice Self-Care
Focus daily effort on basic self-care needs like getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, exercising, and avoiding negative substance use. When basic
FAQs
Why should I tell my therapist about suicidal thoughts?
Therapists are trained to provide support for suicidal ideation. Being open allows them to help you identify triggers, create coping strategies, adjust treatment plans, and assess safety concerns.
What will my therapist do if I share about suicidal thoughts?
Your therapist will collaborate to create an immediate safety plan which may involve removing dangerous objects, staying with family, attending support groups, or carrying crisis hotline numbers. They may also refer you to a psychiatrist or increase session frequency.
How do I bring up my suicidal thoughts in therapy?
You can directly state "I've been having intense suicidal thoughts" and elaborate from there. If too difficult, start generally with "I've struggled with thoughts about suicide..." so your therapist can gently ask more questions.
What if I feel actively suicidal - should I still tell my therapist?
Yes, contact your therapist right away if you have an active plan or intent to attempt suicide. Call 911 or 988 if you feel you cannot keep yourself safe until speaking to your therapist for urgent intervention.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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