Suicidal ideation is more common than what most people would think. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 12.3 million adults have considered suicide at some point in their lives. Anyone from all walks of life can experience or struggle with suicidal ideation. Those who struggle with these thoughts can feel empty, tired, and hopeless.
There is always hope, and anyone can recover from these distressing thoughts and feelings with the right professional help. At Driftwood Recovery, clients have the freedom to discuss their inner thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or belittlement. Staffed by caring and compassionate professionals, each client receives the attention and treatment they need to overcome anything.
However, treatment cannot begin if a person doesn’t understand that they need it. Suicidal ideation is heavily stigmatized and rarely discussed. It’s only in recent years that there has been a push to educate the greater public about suicidal ideation and those who are most at risk. By speaking about this topic, we validate those who are struggling and encourage them to seek help.
What Is Suicidal Ideation?
Suicidal ideation, also known as suicidal thoughts, is when someone struggles with persistent thoughts of death and suicide. Although someone may have these thoughts and feelings, it does not mean that they will attempt suicide. These thoughts are often intrusive and very distressing. Over time, these thoughts can wear down the spirit, making it difficult to connect with others or find joy in life.
There are two forms of suicidal ideation: active and passive. Active suicidal ideation is when you have suicidal thoughts and also have the intention to die by suicide. This may involve taking steps such as making a plan, purchasing a weapon, or designating a specific day to die. Passive suicidal ideation is when you have thoughts of suicide, such as “I wish I could disappear,” but have no plans to harm or die by suicide.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Suicidal ideation can be the result of many factors. However, it often boils down to a desire to escape a situation that feels inescapable. It’s what happens when a person loses hope and finds no value in continuing life. Sometimes, this is a result of a serious condition, such as chronic pain, grief from the loss of a loved one, or addiction. Mood disorders and other mental health conditions, such as depression, can also cause suicidal ideation. Some medications used to treat these conditions may also have a side effect that can cause thoughts of death and suicide.
Other risk factors that may cause suicidal ideation in individuals are:
- Surviving or experiencing bullying, abuse, and violence
- Loss of a loved one, relationship, healthcare, or job
- Employed in highly stressful occupations
- Experiencing social isolation or loneliness
- Facing discrimination
- Having a family or community history of suicide
- Being a member of a marginalized group
- Having easy access to lethal weapons or means to harm oneself
- Being exposed to unsafe media portrayals of suicide
Having any of these risk factors does not automatically mean a person will experience suicidal ideation. It simply means that they must be ready to reach out for help should they need to.
Getting Treatment for Suicidal Ideation
Those who are struggling with thoughts of self-harm and suicide can reach out by calling or texting the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This lifeline exists to help stabilize individuals and find treatment options in their area. Callers are often directed to enroll in a mental health care facility or seek hospitalization, depending on the severity of their suicidal thoughts. Suicidal ideation must be treated by professionals for the individual to recover, so it’s vital to seek treatment right away.
At Driftwood Recovery, there are several therapies used to treat suicidal ideation. Psychotherapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) help talk clients through their thoughts and feelings. This helps them identify what is triggering these thoughts and allows them to change these thoughts into healthier alternatives. Group therapy is also helpful in showing clients that they are not alone, allowing them to find support and understanding among their fellow peers. Clients learn that their lives matter, and care is taken to build up their confidence and feelings of self-worth.
Receiving treatment for conditions that cause suicidal ideation is also essential for its treatment. Driftwood Recovery focuses on treating some of the most common causes of suicidal ideation, which are addiction, chronic pain, and mood disorders. By treating a wide range of conditions, clients have an easier time finding the comprehensive care needed to treat both their suicidal ideation and the conditions that cause them. Sometimes, medicine can help manage these thoughts. Using any medication requires time and a collaborative effort between the client and a medical professional, but many clients have found success.
It’s also essential to know that these thoughts will not last forever. As long as a person is willing to make a positive change in their life, they can accomplish anything. Sometimes, a person receiving care for suicidal ideation may inadvertently help others with similar thoughts. Using the skills learned at Driftwood Recovery allows one to make a tangible difference in the world. Every life matters, including your own.
Experiencing sadness or the “blues” is a normal experience that people have. However, sincerely thinking about your death or daydreaming about your death is not. This is called suicidal ideation, and it can be frightening and stressful to live with. However, it’s possible to recover from suicidal thoughts and ideation with the right treatment and support. Here at Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas, clients have access to compassionate and quality mental health treatment. Staffed by caring and understanding individuals, clients are recognized and seen as the individuals they are. If you are struggling with suicidal ideation, don’t wait. There is always hope for a better tomorrow. To learn how Driftwood Recovery can help, call (512) 759-8330 today.