What do we mean by “suicide” and “prevention?”

Suicidal thoughts can happen to anyone, no matter their background or life experiences. A suicide attempt is when a person harms themselves with the intent of ending their life. 

Suicide is preventable. Preventing suicide is a group activity that can involve you, your friends, family, community, and other trained professionals. You can help prevent suicide by becoming aware of the warning signs, advocating for prevention strategies, and encouraging broader social change. 

Studies show that suicide prevention strategies can lower the risk of death by suicide by around 25%. Prevention can reduce that risk through safety plans, mental health treatment, or connections with others. Suicide prevention isn’t about “fixing” someone; it’s about helping them feel safe, supported, and not alone. 

If you or someone you love is having thoughts of ending their life, you are not alone. There are people who want you here and are willing and ready to support you. Call or text 988, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, for immediate support. You can speak confidentially to a trained counselor for free, and this service is available 24/7/365. If you are in a crisis or an emergency situation, call 911 immediately. 

7 caring signs someone may be suicidal

It’s important to be aware of the signs that you, or someone you love, might be experiencing suicidal ideation. That way, you can help support them or guide them to a place where they can get professional support. 

Being aware of the signs can also help you recognize them in yourself and guide you to getting the compassionate support you deserve. Signs that someone might be having thoughts of suicide include: 

• Talking about feeling hopeless or like a burden — This also might include talking about a desire to end their life.
  

• • Withdrawing from friends or hobbies — This can occur when someone stops participating in their usual activities or social connections.
    
  • Sudden calm after deep despair — This might look like drastic mood swings, or feeling euphoric or depressed in short bursts.
    

• Giving away treasured items — Sometimes people give away their meaningful belongings as a next step in their plan.
  

• Increasing alcohol or drug use — Using intoxicating substances might increase feelings of despair or suicidal ideation.
  

• Searching online for methods or talking about having a plan — People who might want to end their life might look online for information or people who have similar thoughts to them.
  

• Saying they feel like a burden — Sometimes this can be thoughts such as “I can’t do this anymore,” or “everyone would be better off without me.” 

It’s important to know that suicidal ideation can look different for each person. However, being aware of the signs and continuing to practice prevention methods can possibly save someone’s life. 

How suicide prevention treatment supports healing 

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, but aren’t in crisis, certain types of psychotherapy, which some people call talk therapy, can be very beneficial. These types of evidence-based treatments focus on broad life, psychological, and behavioral changes. This might include reducing behaviors tied to distress or finding ways to manage overwhelming thoughts. 

Some of these treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). Treatment is focused on changing the way a person deals with their negative thoughts or mood. More specifically, DBT can teach clients to manage their stress and regulate their emotions. 

A counselor might also work with you or a loved one to create a safety plan. A written plan can be helpful because it’s something you can see and hold. A safety plan is there for your reference to help you take the right steps if you don’t have the best judgment at the moment. 

These counselors can help you learn that you are not alone, help you rediscover hope and help you explore supportive options for healing. Many people are here to help and support you, whether it be your loved ones or a collaborative support team, so that no one feels alone. 

How Lightfully helps Californians in crisis

At Lightfully, we take on a unique approach when crafting our treatment plans called Precision Care Model (PCM). PCM allows our clinical experts to create a compassionate and fully personalized treatment plan just for you. The framework for all of the treatment options our experts use consists of evidence-based, clearly defined, data-driven and whole-person-centered care. 

PCM utilizes an integration of suicide-prevention approaches like CBT, DBT, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to center on the four core processes that drive mental health symptoms, like having thoughts of suicide. 

Here at Lightfully, our clinical experts know mental health conditions such as suicidal ideation do not have only one cause or one treatment. That’s why they can provide four levels of care, including: 

• Residential Treatment Centers (RTC) — This level of care provides supportive care in a beautiful home-based setting. It includes frequent individual therapy sessions. 
• Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) — IOP includes three to six hours of programming during the day. 
• Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) — Also called our Day Treatment Program, PHP includes frequent individual therapy sessions and weekly sessions with a psychiatrist. 
• Virtual IOP & PHP (vIOP, vPHP) — Both our PHP and IOP are available virtually for California residents. 

Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you. Our licensed clinical experts will work together with you for whole-person safety.