Understanding Suicidal Thoughts and Feelings
Experiencing suicidal thoughts and feelings can be extremely difficult and painful to deal with. However, it is important to know that you are not alone and there are steps you can take to get help.
Some common suicidal thoughts and feelings include:
- Feeling hopeless, like things will never get better
- Feeling trapped, like there are no other options
- Believing your loved ones would be better off without you
- Thinking about methods to end your life
- Feeling unbearable emotional or physical pain
While these thoughts and feelings may seem overwhelming in the moment, there are ways to cope with them safely. Reaching out for help is the most important action to take.
Why Telling Your Therapist is Important
Therapists are trained professionals who can provide support and guide you to proper treatment if you confide that you've had suicidal thoughts. Here are some key reasons why it's so important to be open with your therapist:
- Therapists are required to take suicidal statements seriously and to prioritize patient safety. They will work with you to create a safety plan.
- Voicing your feelings allows your therapist to better understand your state of mind and suggest appropriate coping strategies or interventions.
- Talking about suicidal thoughts and feelings can help relieve some of the shame, anxiety and isolation you may be experiencing.
- Your therapist can help connect you with other mental health professionals or resources if needed.
- It starts an honest dialogue about your mental health and shows your commitment to treatment.
Remember, therapists are there to help without judgment. Being open without fear of consequences is key to working through suicidal thoughts.
How to Bring Up the Topic of Suicide with Your Therapist
Even though telling your therapist about suicidal thoughts and impulses is extremely important, it can still feel uncomfortable or frightening. Here are some ways to approach the conversation:
- Be direct. You can simply say "I've been having suicidal thoughts lately" or "I've had thoughts about killing myself." This leaves no room for misinterpretation.
- Mention specific symptoms. For example, "I've been thinking of ways to end my life" or "I had a plan for taking my own life." Details help your therapist understand how severe your case may be.
- Explain the duration. Saying things like "I've had daily suicidal thoughts for the past 2 weeks" or "I've started feeling suicidal again" gives useful timeframes.
- Describe triggers. For instance, "When I have an anxiety attack, I think of suicide" shows your therapist what brings on these impulses.
- Send a message before your session. If you're worried you may downplay things in the moment, write out the key points in an email or text beforehand.
The right therapist should make you feel safe being vulnerable. But opening up still takes courage. Focus on the relief you'll feel and the steps your therapist can take to provide meaningful help.
How Therapists Assess Suicide Risk
After you confide suicidal thoughts to your therapist, their first priority is keeping you safe. They will ask questions and go through assessments to determine the severity of your suicide risk level. Some things they may evaluate include:
- How frequent and persistent your suicidal thoughts are
- If you've made past suicide attempts
- Whether you have a specific plan with access to lethal means
- If you have forces like family support that reduce your risk
- Any mental health conditions, like depression, contributing to suicidality
- Your ability to control impulses and think rationally
Your answers help your therapist categorize your risk as mild, moderate or high. They can then tailor safety plans, support strategies and treatment methods accordingly.
Safety Plans
One of the first things your therapist will work with you on is a tailored safety plan for when you're having a suicidal crisis. Safety plans give you concrete steps to reduce suicide risk in the moment. They may include:
- Removing lethal means from your environment
- Listing coping strategies and distraction techniques
- Making your environment safe and comforting
- Identifying trusted friends and family to contact for help
- Calling suicide prevention hotlines or 988
- Going to a hospital or emergency room
Having this written set of guidelines empowers you take positive action when you feel at risk of self-harm. Your therapist can keep adjusting your plan as needed over time.
Ongoing Support Strategies
In addition to safety plans, your therapist may employ the following strategies to provide ongoing support:
- Increased session frequency. Meeting more than once per week helps monitor risk.
- Check-ins between sessions. Phone, text and email contact shows consistent support.
- Encouragement of healthy habits. Things like proper sleep, nutrition, exercise and social interaction.
- Cognitive-behavioral approaches. Helping reframe negative thought patterns.
- Medication. Prescription drugs to treat underlying mental health issues.
- Emergency contact. Having your therapist's contact for crises after-hours.
With compassion and care, your therapist can be a lifeline when suicidal thoughts feel overwhelming. Their objective is keeping you happy, healthy and above all, alive.
Getting Professional Help for Suicidal Thoughts
In some cases, outpatient therapy may not be sufficient for someone experiencing intense or persistent suicidal ideation. Your therapist may recommend more intensive treatment options to keep you safe. Some examples are:
- Partial hospitalization programs. Also called "day treatment," these provide intensive care during the day and allow you to return home at night.
- Inpatient hospitalization. For those at imminent risk, round-the-clock treatment and supervision at a psychiatric facility may be required.
- Residential treatment. Living full-time at a treatment center under close medical supervision.
- Intensive outpatient programs. These involve daily multi-hour treatment sessions while living at home.
Your therapist may also recommend resources like support groups, case management services, and crisis hotlines. The key is that you'll get as much help as needed to become safe and stable.
Working With Your Treatment Team
When dealing with suicidality, you will likely be supported by an entire treatment team - not just your therapist. This team may include:
- Psychiatrists or psychiatric nurse practitioners
- Primary care doctors
- Nurses
- Social workers
- Other licensed counselors or therapists
- Peer support specialists
Each clinician plays a role in your care. Your therapist can coordinate the team and act as your advocate. Being open about your thoughts and feelings with the entire team is key.
That said, make sure you feel comfortable with each provider. A good treatment team will listen without judgment and respect your privacy and boundaries.
Therapy for Suicidal Ideation: Treatment Methods That Can Help
Once a suicidal crisis is stabilized, ongoing treatment focuses on targetting root causes of suicidal thoughts. Therapy approaches your therapist may use include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps identify distressing thought and behavior patterns. You and your therapist work to replace negative thoughts
FAQs
What if I downplay my suicidal thoughts because I don't want to be hospitalized?
It's understandable to have concerns about hospitalization, but downplaying your suicidal thoughts prevents your therapist from fully helping you. They are obligated to take statements about suicide seriously. However, hospitalization may not always be necessary if other safety precautions can be put in place.
What if my suicidal thoughts come back after therapy helps at first?
It's not uncommon for suicidal ideation to return even after therapy is initially helpful. This is why having an ongoing open dialogue with your therapist is so important. You can work together to adjust your treatment plan and safety strategies as needed over time.
What if I'm too ashamed or scared to admit my suicidal thoughts?
It's okay to feel ashamed or scared to reveal suicidal thoughts. But a good therapist will listen without judgment. Focus on the relief you'll feel after opening up. Their priority is keeping you safe - not shaming you.
Can my therapist force me into hospitalization against my will?
In most cases, your therapist cannot force hospitalization on you as an adult against your will, unless you pose an imminent danger. They will recommend levels of care, but you have a say. However, for children or those ruled mentally incompetent, parents/guardians can compel hospitalization.
What if my therapist doesn't seem to take my suicidal thoughts seriously?
Find a new therapist immediately if you ever feel your suicidal ideation is dismissed or not taken seriously enough. A responsible therapist should act quickly to assess your risk and create a safety plan when you express suicidal intent.
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.
Add Comment