Why Do People Think About Suicide?
Suicidal thoughts can be triggered by a variety of events and emotions. The onset is frequently brought on by feelings of helplessness or loneliness. Additionally, other mental health conditions like depression can increase a patient’s risk of suicide.
Young adults and teenagers may be at risk because, as their brains mature, they frequently experience stronger emotions that make it more difficult to tolerate some ideas and emotions.
In addition, after experiencing a significant loss, an accident, or another traumatic event, a person may experience severe emotional distress and have suicidal thoughts.
How Does Mental Illness Impact Suicide Risk?
Keep in mind that depression can be treated and that suicide can be prevented. The majority of people with depression do not commit suicide, even though research indicates that 90% of people who die by suicide have a mental illness at the time of their death. Not everyone who is suicidal is depressed.
Depression is caused by a chemical imbalance. If someone is depressed, as the pain intensifies, their brain tries to find a way to stop it, which results in suicidal thoughts. This skewed thinking distorts rational thought and may make one feel helpless and hopeless.
Suicide risk is also increased by other mental conditions like anxiety, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, and substance abuse. Understanding the signs of depression and suicide can help people realize that both are avoidable and treatable.
Warning Signs That Someone May Be Suicidal
Ask for assistance if you or a loved one exhibits suicidal tendencies.
Here are the common signs and symptoms often associated with suicidal thoughts:
- Mood swings
- Alterations in sleeping patterns
- Expressing excessive guilt or feelings of worthlessness
- Dramatic mood swings
- Tiredness
- Distributing unique items
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- An increase in alcohol or drug use
- A decline in enthusiasm for favorite pastimes
- A fascination with dying
- Careless conduct
- Saying what appears to be a final farewell
- Looking for a means of suicide, a substance, or a place to do it
- Exhibiting rage or discussing seeking retribution
- Profound adjustments in appetite or weight
- Expressions of desire to pass away or to burden others
- Expressing feelings of entrapment or excruciating pain
- Isolating oneself
Make an effort to talk about your worries in an honest and open manner. Don’t criticize or downplay how the person is feeling. The most important things you can do to prevent suicide are to acknowledge the warning signs, ask questions, and act.
While you cannot force someone to seek assistance, you can:
- Offer inspiration and assistance
- Direct them to a mental health professional.
- Make the appointment offer
- Suggest accompanying them to the appointment.
It can be difficult to be there for someone who is suicidal. Patients and their families can receive education and support from Open Arms Life Center. Our mental health care team encourages you to look after yourself and seek the assistance you require. We’re here to help you or a loved one get through this.
Through resources and support groups for patients dealing with substance abuse, grief, mental health crises, and other conditions, Open Arms Life Center offers knowledgeable, encouraging mental health education and resources to our local communities.
With both inpatient and outpatient services, our caring staff at Open Arms Behavioral Health Hospital offers patients a therapeutic healing environment to get started on the road to recovery. We are totally dedicated to providing top-notch patient care.
Treatment for a Patient with Suicidal Thoughts
To evaluate your mental and physical health, your doctor will probably start by performing a physical exam and asking you about your symptoms and medical history. Your doctor uses this diagnosis stage to decide on the most effective treatments.
Depending on the risk of suicide, underlying issues, and current circumstances, different treatments are used for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. If you have attempted suicide, have been injured, or are in danger of hurting yourself, seek help right away. To report an emergency, dial 911.
You might require inpatient or outpatient treatment for a non-emergency situation, including prescription drugs and counseling (talk therapy).
Each patient at the Open Arms Life Center has a unique treatment plan that is tailored to their needs and objectives. Your devoted care team collaborates with you and your family to make sure that treatment will deliver positive outcomes.
Let us know about your psychiatric-related inquiries. Please send us a message to get started.