Most people think of mental health as something that doesn’t require much maintenance — until they start having symptoms of a condition like anxiety or depression. The truth is that we all go through different seasons with our mental health, and some are more challenging than others. Suicidal thoughts are a complex part of life that many people experience at one point or another. They make up a wide range of different thoughts, from fleeting ideas to serious, focused plans.

If you are in danger of ending your life, or a loved one is, call or text 988, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, for immediate support.

Suicidal thoughts can be hard to talk about, but these conversations save lives. In this blog post, we’ll talk about what suicidal thoughts are and some signs that you should seek help. 

What are suicidal thoughts? 

Suicidal ideation refers to thoughts you have about dying or ending your life. These thoughts aren’t always a cause for immediate concern, but they should never be taken lightly. They can be unwanted intrusive thoughts, but they are usually distressing and linger for more than a passing moment. Passive suicidal ideation means you’re thinking about death but you don’t actually want to die and you’re not making any plans. Active suicidal ideation or suicidal intent is when a person is making plans to end their own life or trying to get access to lethal means.

When should I seek help for my suicidal thoughts?

If you’re having passive suicidal thoughts, consider seeing a therapist. Active suicidal thoughts usually stem from passive ones at some point, and both types require professional attention. It’s also a good idea to share your feelings with a friend or a family member you trust. You might ask them to spend some time with you or check on you periodically. You should also consider seeing a psychotherapist. 

If you’re having more serious thoughts about ending your life, the kind of help you should seek may depend on what’s causing them. Often, suicidal thoughts are a result of a situation that’s causing emotional pain, physical pain or serious distress. They can also be a side effect of medication or a symptom of a serious mental health condition. If you’re in immediate danger, you should call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. They may advise you to seek emergency care. After you’re stabilized, you may need comprehensive mental health treatment.

The following are some signs you should seek help for your suicidal thoughts:

• You’re feeling hopeless or alone — These feelings can increase with time, especially if you want to self-isolate. Talking with someone about your suicidal thoughts can help you get through the moment and reconnect with your sense of hope.
• You haven’t felt joy in days or weeks — A lack of pleasure or joy is a serious mental health symptom that shouldn’t be ignored. Talk with your mental health care provider or consider seeking out an evaluation.
• You can’t stop thinking negative thoughts — Breaking out of negative thought patterns is hard to do on your own. A licensed clinical therapist can help you break down your negative thoughts and consider some alternative things to tell yourself that are more helpful.
• You don’t believe anyone will want to help you — When you’re feeling depressed or suicidal, it can be hard to imagine why anyone would want to help you. You are not a lost cause, however, and you deserve support. You can give yourself a chance at recovery by reaching out for help.
• Your symptoms are making it hard to function — Suicidal thoughts may be one symptom among many. If you’re having a hard time with daily tasks like dressing and feeding yourself, you’ll benefit from mental health treatment.
• You don’t feel safe — If you’re afraid you might make an attempt, you should reach out to someone you trust to stay with you. You should also make an appointment for a psychiatric evaluation or talk with a licensed clinician about your next steps.
• You’re persistently having suicidal ideation — Whether you’re having recurring active or passive suicidal ideation, you should have an evaluation by a licensed mental health professional. Prolonged ideation is a sign that professional help is needed, not just when symptoms severely impact functioning or when active plans form.
• You’re spiraling — You don’t have to figure out how to get through this by yourself. If you’re overwhelmed and spiraling, you might call your mental health care provider or a peer support line. 

Find comprehensive care for suicidal thoughts and their underlying causes at Lightfully

Having suicidal thoughts doesn’t mean that there’s something “wrong” with you. It usually means that you’re in pain and you could use some help to feel like yourself again. There are effective treatments for suicidality in all of its forms. At Lightfully, we’ve created a supportive and tranquil care environment where you can feel safe confronting life’s toughest challenges.

We don’t just focus on your symptoms and your diagnosis — we create a personalized treatment plan for each client that takes their experience, their identity and their goals into account. We help you build positive processes in your life so you’ll feel confident maintaining your mental wellness long after treatment. We offer four levels of treatment to support you during your transition back into your daily routine.

Are you seeking treatment for yourself or a loved one who’s having suicidal thoughts? Contact us or reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. Let’s talk about the challenges you’re facing and the support you need to get through them.