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What is Suicidal Ideation?

Suicidal ideation is the thought of killing oneself without actually making plans or indulging in the act of suicide. Harboring thoughts about killing oneself, harming oneself or ending one’s life is a common phenomenon. Various factors can lead to suicidal ideation that can be active or passive. Active suicidal ideation involves a suicide wish along with a specific plan to carry out the act, while a passive one involves a strong desire to die without any prior planning.

A common and often tragic public health crisis, suicide is often committed in response to an overwhelming and unbearable emotional pain. Considered as the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, each year, an estimated 44,193 Americans die by suicide, with an average of 121 suicides per day. Although there is no comprehensive count of suicide attempts in the U.S., many suicide attempts go unreported or untreated. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), women are three times more likely than men to attempt suicide, while men are 3.5 times more likely to die by suicide.

A person with suicidal ideation may not ask for help, but that does not mean that help is not needed or wanted. Prevention of suicide often begins with recognizing the warning signs and seeking professional suicidal thoughts help. Treatment at suicidal ideation treatment centers, Los Angeles, California, may include psychotherapy, medication, addiction treatment or education.

Causes, symptoms and risk factors of suicidal ideation

Various factors and reasons can be responsible for giving rise to suicidal thoughts. Some of the common events of life that might trigger suicidal ideation include trauma, financial problems, physical disorders, rejection, relationship issues, sexual abuse and unemployment. For those who encounter overwhelming or adverse life situations, suicide may seem like the only way out.

Usually arising at stressful times, some suicide cases can be impulsive and unpredictable. Although it is common for people with suicidal thoughts to suffer from a sense of hopelessness and despair, some of them might have mental problems like depression and schizophrenia and drug or alcohol addiction disorders.

Causes for suicidal ideation can be a combination of genetics and environmental factors.

  • Genetics: According to research, those with a family history of mental illness or suicide are more likely to have mental illness, suicidal thoughts or commit suicide.
  • Environmental: One may also experience suicidal thoughts or indulge in suicidal behavior due to stressful or negative life events. Additionally, people in contact with others experiencing suicidal thoughts or dying by suicide are at a higher risk of getting suicidal ideation.
  • Substance use and mental problems: Addiction to drugs and/or alcohol or the presence of mental illnesses are also known to increase the chance of suicidal thoughts. Abuse of drugs and/or alcohol can also cause changes in the brain structure and lower the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin that naturally create feelings of happiness and contentment. This can further increase the risk of many mental illnesses, including suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Most people who experience suicidal ideation do give off warning signs that they intend to end their lives by committing suicide. Although warning signs are not always obvious and may vary from person to person, some of the common symptoms of suicidal ideation include:

  • Preoccupation with death, dying
  • Intense emotional pain
  • Severe anxiety and agitation
  • Decreased social contact
  • Consuming more alcohol and/or drugs
  • Feeling trapped or hopeless
  • Increased risky behavior
  • Self-loathing, feeling helpless

Some of the risk factors for suicidal thoughts include constant feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness, stressful life events, prior suicide attempts, untreated mental health illnesses, psychiatric disorders, impulsive behavior and family history of suicide attempts, violence, mental illness or substance abuse.

Treatment for Suicidal Ideation

Suicidal ideation treatment at treatment centers in Los Angeles, California, consists of medication and talk therapy. The therapy helps one get rid of negative thoughts and regain a sense of satisfaction and control. Known as the best possible treatment for lowering one’s risk of committing suicide, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of talk therapy that teaches one to work through stressful life events and emotions that may contribute to suicidal thoughts. It involves thinking differently about unusual experiences and helps patients develop strategies to reduce distress and enhance their well-being.

In addition to talk therapy, one may be recommended medication to treat any underlying physical and/or mental conditions contributing to suicidal thoughts. Depending on the symptoms, one may be prescribed antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications or antipsychotic medications.

In addition to psychotherapies and medication, certain lifestyle changes can also reduce one’s risk of suicide. Some of these changes can be abstaining from addictive substances like drugs and alcohol, avoiding stressful situations, exercising regularly, eating nutritious and balanced diet, and getting sufficient sleep.

Treatment at Sovereign Mental Health

Suicidal thoughts cannot be managed alone. Professional help is needed to treat individuals experiencing suicidal ideation. By providing individualized and evidence-based treatments at our state-of-the-art treatment facilities, we at Sovereign Mental Health make sure that we understand our clients’ relationship with suicide. Taking a broader perspective on suicide, Sovereign Health has adopted Reasons for Living Scale (RLS) for screening suicidal tendencies and behavior. A scientifically-proven method, RLS helps one see the existence of positive factors and discover the strengths and support one might have in fighting suicidal thoughts.

Focusing on providing quality mental health treatment, Sovereign Mental Health offers evidence-based treatment options like CBT, exposure therapy, individual and group therapies, and experiential therapy like yoga, meditation, music, and equine therapy. Our team of specialists also educates the patients and provides them with the tools necessary to lead productive and happy lives without any chance of a relapse.

For those looking to obtain treatment for suicidal ideation or for any questions related to suicidal behavior, call or chat online with our counselors at our 24/7 admissions helpline number (866) 973-7164.