Have you ever thought of not being here anymore? Has that included thoughts on how you might complete it? The time to get help is now! Suicide affects millions of Americans daily, and is a constant presence for many.
Common Symptoms of Suicidal Thoughts
Although most representations of suicidal thoughts typically include the active thought of killing oneself or suicide, these collections of thoughts can also include thoughts of not wanting to be here anymore or not waking up. These are all examples of the mind working through and trying to manage unbelievable stress, whether it’s external factors or internal thoughts. The suicidal thoughts are typically accompanied by a decrease in energy and mood, but can also appear in conjunction with a burst of energy and making plans for one’s possessions.
Diagnosing Suicidal Thoughts
The primary diagnosis that is most commonly used for the presence of suicidal thoughts or suicide intentions is Major Depressive Disorder. This disorder is marked by periods of time, or depressive episodes, in which a person would feel sad, empty or hopeless for most of the day as well as a marked decrease in interest or pleasure in most activities throughout the day. It can also be accompanied by insomnia, weight loss, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, diminished ability to concentrate, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.
These symptoms must be present and consistent for at least a two week period of time to qualify as a depressive episode. Over the course of the episode, the symptoms must cause significant impairment in functioning, specifically in one’s performance of daily tasks.
Treatment for Suicidal Thoughts and Counseling Options
Treatment for thoughts of suicide focus on decreasing the immediate concerns of intent and opportunity, often creating safety plans with the individual and their support network to ensure the safety of the individual. If the safety cannot be secured, then a higher level of treatment may be necessary, including inpatient psychiatric hospital stabilization followed by residential treatment centers or partial hospitalization programs.
Following a reduction in symptoms and increase in safety, the underlying cause is generally treated using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), or cognitive-based therapy in conjunction with medicinal interventions, depending on the severity.
Resources Available for Suicide & Suicidal Thoughts
Below are additional resources for cutting-edge treatments and identifiers for Suicidal Thoughts.
- Symptoms of Suicidal Thoughts (Mayo Clinic)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
- Identifying and preventing suicide (National Association of School Psychologists)
- Steps to do right now for suicidal thoughts (National Institute of Mental Health)
If you or someone in your life is struggling with suicidal thoughts, there is help in San Antonio. If in immediate need, call 911 or 1-800-273-8255 (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline). Following stabilization, our therapists at Green Mountain Counseling have worked with clients to manage suicidal thoughts and build safe patterns of behavior. Contact us to find out more about counseling or therapy services available for Suicide & Suicidal Thoughts