Suicidal thoughts can be frightening and isolating. Many people believe that having thoughts like this means that they really want to die. Often, though, that is not the whole story. In many cases, suicidal thoughts are a sign of having too much pain in your life, not an actual desire to stop living.
When stress, depression, trauma, or hopelessness builds up without any redress, the mind seeks an escape. For some, that escape manifests as thoughts of life ending. These thoughts are serious, but they are also treatable.
According to national data, suicide is one of the leading causes of death in America, and each year, millions of adults report having severe thoughts of suicide. The presence of thoughts doesn’t mean that there’s no avoiding action, especially the support aspect of it.
What Suicidal Thoughts Could Signify
Excessive thoughts of suicide can reflect:
- Intense emotional pain
- Feeling trapped
- Lack of hope in the future
- Believing you are a burden
- Exhaustion from the constant mental health battles
Sometimes, the thoughts are passive (“I wish I wouldn’t wake up”). Other times, they are action-oriented or more specific. Both deserve attention.
Having these types of thoughts does not make you weak or dramatic. It often means that your ability (your coping resources) is overpowered.
Warning Signs That You Should Be Concerned About
- Talking about wanting to die
- Feeling hopeless or with no purpose
- Withdrawing from others
- Giving away belongings
- Sudden peacefulness after severe depression
- Increased substance use
- Making a plan or doing some research
If there is a plan or intent in the thoughts, it is urgent.
How to Get Help Immediately
If you are in immediate danger, contact emergency services.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available by phone or text message, 988. It is free, confidential, and available 24/7. You don’t even have to be in a life-or-death emergency to call. You are able to contact us on your own because of your woes.
If you are outside of the United States, there are crisis lines in many nations as well.
Remember, you do not have to deal with this all by yourself.
What Happens When You Call 988
Trained counselors are non-judgmental listeners. They are there to help with safety, talk through what you are going through, and reconnect you with support within your local area, if you need it. Calling does not necessarily lead to hospitalization. The concept here is stabilization and safety.
Longer-Term Support
Ongoing suicidal thoughts often require the care of a professional. Therapy, medication, or a combination of the two may be helpful to reduce the intensity and frequency of these thoughts.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) have good evidence to reduce suicidal ideation.
It’s in The Happiness Trap that principles of ACT are presented, focusing on changing your relationship with painful thoughts rather than trying to get rid of them. While it is no replacement for crisis care, it can teach an individual that thoughts are not commands and that they are mental events.
Important Reminder
One is the thought of suicide as a clue. They are not a verdict.
If you are reading this and it’s giving you any difficulty, then stop. Breathe. Reach out to somebody – a friend, family member, counselor, or 988.
Pain can narrow your vision. Support widens it.
Help is available. And with the right support, these thoughts can lose intensity.