Are you overwhelmed by unwanted thoughts about suicide? For some people, these thoughts are symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). OCD can be difficult to manage, especially when it triggers thoughts about death and self-harm. To deal with your symptoms, it can help to get a better understanding of your condition. Knowing more about OCD, specifically suicidal OCD, can be essential to finding the right solution to your symptoms. If you are experiencing suicidal ideation, you should call or text 988, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, to get support right away.

Understanding suicidal OCD

OCD is an anxiety disorder that involves obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. If you have OCD, you may feel compelled to engage in repetitive activities that seem unreasonable to other people. For example, you might find yourself compulsively washing the same clothing several times in a row. These compulsions are typically tied to intrusive anxious thoughts. Persistent worries about dirtiness and contamination, for example, might lead to excessive washing and cleaning. People with OCD often follow strict routines and may have major negative reactions to anything that disturbs those routines.

OCD is different for everyone. Different people tend to develop different obsessions and compulsive rituals. For some, self-harm and dying become major obsessions. This is called suicidal OCD. If you experience constant unwanted thoughts about killing yourself, you may have suicidal OCD. Suicidal thoughts are not uncommon for people with OCD. According to the International OCD Foundation, up to two-thirds of people who have OCD experience thoughts about death or suicide. If you’re experiencing these thoughts, you don’t have to deal with them alone. Professional treatment can provide significant benefits. With the right treatment, you can work to change your thought patterns and find relief from your compulsions.

Suicidal OCD vs. suicidal ideation

Suicidal OCD involves spontaneous thoughts of suicide. While this can seem similar to true suicidality, it’s important to make a distinction. Suicidality is generally connected to persistent low emotions and conditions like major depressive disorder (MDD). When someone is suicidal, their emotional pain is leading to thoughts and actions aimed at ending their own life. A person experiencing suicidality may make plans or take gradual steps toward killing themselves.

Though suicidal OCD also involves thoughts of suicide, the nature of the condition is different. Suicidal thoughts in the context of suicidal OCD are intrusive and unwanted. People with suicidal OCD often do not actually want to die, and their thoughts are not usually accompanied by actual suicidal intent or plans. In fact, these thoughts are typically experienced by people who are worried about death. The suicidal thoughts they experience are obsessive and difficult to control. Much like obsessive thoughts about cleanliness or orderliness, suicidal thoughts connected to OCD are generally unwanted and highly distressing. If you have suicidal OCD, you may constantly worry about the possibility of killing yourself. You may even go to lengths to avoid causing yourself harm. For example, you might compulsively get rid of sharp objects.

Professional mental health treatment is available to help you find relief. By learning more about the best ways to deal with suicidal OCD, you can start taking the next steps toward recovery.

Dealing with suicidal OCD

When you want to deal with your OCD symptoms, seeking help is a crucial step. Here are some of the ways in which professional treatment can make a difference:

• Accurate diagnosis — If you’re still not sure whether your suicidal thoughts are a symptom of OCD, professional treatment can help. Licensed clinical therapists are trained to accurately identify a range of mental health disorders. After a comprehensive assessment, your therapist can help pinpoint your particular condition. Understanding your condition is essential to receiving effective targeted care.
• Timely intervention — OCD symptoms often get worse when left untreated. By seeking treatment as soon as possible, you can prevent your condition from worsening and start working toward recovery.
• Long-term benefits — In addition to delivering relief, effective mental health treatments can also come with lasting benefits. A good treatment program will identify the underlying processes that are contributing to your symptoms. When the root causes behind your symptoms are identified, you can develop strategies to address them directly.

Lightfully can help you find relief from suicidal OCD symptoms

Lightfully Behavioral Health can help you experience lasting relief from the symptoms of your OCD. Our approach to treatment is based on data-driven and holistic care provided by compassionate mental health experts. With our help, you can overcome your compulsions and start leading a more balanced, meaningful life.

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 to address your OCD symptoms and find the fullest, brightest version of you.