Suicidal Ideation Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Coping

Suicidal Ideation Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Coping Depression Suicide Print An Overview of Suicidal Ideation A Look at Dangerous Thought Patterns By Marcia Purse Marcia Purse is a mental health writer and bipolar disorder advocate who brings strong research skills and personal experiences to her writing. Learn about our editorial policy Marcia Purse Reviewed by Reviewed by Amy Morin, LCSW on October 28, 2019 facebook twitter instagram Amy Morin, LCSW, is a psychotherapist, author of the bestselling book 13 Things Mentally Strong People Dont Do, and a highly sought-after speaker. Learn about our Wellness Board Amy Morin, LCSW Updated on January 17, 2020 Tom Merton / OJO Images / Getty Images More in Depression Suicide Causes Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Types Childhood Depression In This Article Table of Contents Expand Prevalence Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment Coping View All Back To Top Information presented in this article may be triggering to some people. If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911. Strictly speaking, suicidal ideation means wanting to take your own life or thinking about suicide. However, there are two kinds of suicidal ideation: passive and active. Passive suicidal ideation occurs when you wish were dead or that you could die, but you dont actually have any plans to commit suicide. Active suicidal ideation, on the other hand, is not only thinking about it but having the intent to commit suicide, including planning how to do it. Suicidal ideation is one of the symptoms of both major depression and the depression found in bipolar disorder, but it may also occur in people with other mental illnesses or no mental illness at all. Prevalence The lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation for the general world population is about 9% and about 2% within a 12-month period.?? According to the  2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health  (NSDUH) by the  Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration  (SAMHSA), 4.3% of U.S. adults ages 18 and older had thoughts about suicide, with the highest prevalence among adults ages 18 to 25.?? For people with mental health disorders, the rate is significantly higher. The exact numbers are unclear, but since suicidal ideation is a symptom of mental health disorders like major depression and bipolar disorder, the problem exists at a far greater percentage in these populations. Suicide is on the rise, with half of the states in the United States reporting more than a 30% increase since 1999 and nearly all the rest reporting increased rates since then, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).?? Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States and the second leading cause of death among 10- to 34-year-olds. Women attempt suicide more often than men, but men are successful about three to four times more often than women.?? Rates and Statistics for Suicide in the U.S. Symptoms Warning signs that you or a loved one are thinking about or contemplating suicide include: Isolating yourself from your loved onesFeeling hopeless or trappedTalking about death or suicideGiving away possessionsAn increase in substance use or misuseIncreased mood swings, anger, rage, and/or irritabilityEngaging in risk-taking behavior like using drugs or having unprotected sexAccessing the means to kill yourself, such as medication, drugs, or a firearmActing as if youre saying goodbye to peopleFeeling extremely anxious If you think a loved one is thinking about or planning suicide, ask. Its a myth that youll give another person the idea to kill him or herself. Asking shows that youre concerned and that you care about the person. Be aware that passive suicidal ideation, wishing that you could die in your sleep or in an accident rather than by your own hand, is not necessarily any less serious than active suicidal ideation.?? It can quickly turn active and it most certainly has a blend of active and passive components. If your loved one admits that they are thinking about suicide, make sure they are safe. Be there for them if and when they need you. If the situation is serious, you may need to involve your loved ones doctor or mental health professional or perhaps call a suicide hotline for  advice or help. Keep checking on them until you feel certain that theyre in a safe state of mind again. Causes Many different factors can contribute to suicidal ideation. Often these thoughts strike when youre feeling hopeless and out of control in your life and/or like it has no meaning or purpose. These feelings may be due to circumstances like relationship problems, trauma, substance use, a crisis of some sort, pressure at work, a physical health issue, or financial difficulties. Having any mental health disorder such as depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or anxiety can also contribute.?? There are a variety of risk factors for suicidal ideation and suicide, including Having attempted suicide in the pastHaving a mental health disorderFeeling hopeless, isolated, and/or lonelyNot being marriedBeing gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgenderHaving served in the militaryHaving a chronic physical illness like cancer, diabetes, or a terminal diseaseHaving chronic painHaving a traumatic brain injuryHaving a family history of suicideHaving a drug or alcohol use disorderHaving experienced childhood abuse or traumaLiving in a rural areaHaving access to firearms Suicide Warning Signs and Risk Factors Diagnosis If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression and are having suicidal thoughts, your doctor will likely give you a medical exam and ask you to take a questionnaire that may include the following questions: Do you have a history of depression or mental illness?How long have you been having thoughts of suicide?Have you created a suicide plan?Are you taking any medicationâ€"and, if so, what kind?How often do you use alcohol or drugs? Treatment If you have suicidal thoughts but there is no crisis, your doctor or therapist may recommend psychotherapy, medications, and lifestyle changes that can help reduce the risk of suicide. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, during which you work with a therapist to explore why you’re feeling suicidal and how to cope.Family therapy and education. Involving loved ones in treatment can help them better understand what youre going through, learn the warning signs, and improve family dynamics.Substance use disorder treatment, if you are also experiencing an increase in alcohol or drug use.Lifestyle changes, including managing stress, improving sleep, eating, and exercise habits, building a solid support network, and making time for hobbies and interests.Medications to treat any underlying depression causing your suicidal ideation. This may include antidepressants, antipsychotic medications, or anti-anxiety medications. If you start experiencing thoughts of suicide after taking an antidepressant, call your mental health care professional immediately. Antidepressants have been linked to an increase in suicidal thoughts. How to Help a Friend Who Is Feeling Suicidal Coping Here are some ways to help reduce suicidal thoughts and get the help you need to get back on track, whether you or a loved one are experiencing suicidal ideation: Identify triggers. Look for triggers or circumstances that lead to feelings of despair such as a death or a loss, alcohol use, or stress from relationships. Eliminate what you can and talk to someone, such as a counselor or close friend, about the others.Remember that feelings are temporary. Feelings come and go and are not permanent. Even when life seems hopeless, you can get on the road to feeling better with treatment. Youll learn how to cope with life stresses, as well as to get a new perspective. Sometimes even just taking a nap or going to bed when youre feeling especially low can reset your mood, at least enough to stop the suicidal thoughts.Take care of yourself. In addition to eating healthy meals regularly and never skipping meals, get plenty of rest and relaxation to stave off stress and help your body recuperate from days past. Exercise is also important for relieving stress and improving your emotional well-being.Build a community of support. Make the time to be around p eople with positive influences on your life and those who make you feel good about yourself. Also, dont forget to give back to your community either through money or your time. Helping others and giving back can be a great way to get out of your own head and to find meaning.Get active. Just as old habits have to die to let go of suicidal ideation, new ideas must take their place to stick. Develop your personal and professional interests. Find fun things to do, volunteer activities, or work that gives you a sense of purpose. When you’re doing things you find fulfilling, you’ll feel better about yourself and those feelings of despair are less likely to return.Relax. Find personal ways to relieve stress levels. In addition to exercising, you can meditate, use sensory strategies to relax, practice simple breathing exercises, and challenge self-defeating thoughts to help you overcome suicidal thoughts. A Word From Verywell Though it may be difficult, studies show that if youre able to talk to someone regularly, particularly in a face-to-face situation like to a close friend or counselor, youre less likely to attempt suicide. You can also talk to your doctor or go directly to the emergency room if you are having suicidal thoughts. Doctors will evaluate your immediate risk and may recommend hospitalization if the risk is severe or refer you to a mental health professional for treatment. Tips for Coping With Depression and Suicidal Thoughts