Suicide is a very important topic of mental health that needs awareness. It’s the second-leading cause of death for people ages 10-34, so it’s something that needs to be spoken on in order to help more people living with suicidal thoughts and ideation. When awareness is spread about suicide, more people dealing with thoughts of suicide can understand they’re not alone. And, gain the information they need about helpful resources in their area. For example, spreading awareness about types of suicide prevention measures and signs and symptoms of suicidal thoughts and ideation can help people prevent suicide in their own lives and reach out for assistance through support and treatment.

Some Signs and Symptoms of Suicide

Certainly, it’s essential to be able to recognize warning signs and symptoms of suicide before a person takes action on the suicidal thoughts and idealization they experience. It’s crucial for loved ones and people who are struggling with suicidal thoughts to understand the warning signs of suicide so that preventative measures can be taken. Some of the warning signs of suicidal thoughts and idealization can include:

• abusing addictive substances like alcohol or drugs
• anger, irritability, and dramatic shifts in mood
• avoiding friends, family, and responsibilities
• acting out impulsively
• making plans for possessions or money
• buying a weapon or collecting deadly substances
• making goodbyes

If you recognize any of these behaviors in a loved one, it can help you with bringing up the topic of suicide with this person. And, find out if they are willing to get support in order to overcome thoughts of suicidal ideation. If you’re not willing to talk to a loved one about suicidal intentions or don’t know what to say, you can always reach out to emergency services or a mental health provider like a licensed mental health facility.

How to Talk to a Loved One That’s Considering Suicide

Noticing the warning signs of suicide in a loved one can be a jarring and unexpected situation. So, it helps to understand how to talk to a loved one that’s considering suicide even if you’re not aware currently that someone you love may be having these thoughts or feelings. If you notice that someone in your life is portraying warning signs of suicide or has opened up to you about their suicidal ideation, there are some things you can do to help including:

• steer clear of judgment and try to be open and understanding
• express concern about their health and safety
• be supportive of their wellbeing
• be honest about how you feel
• don’t be scared to ask in-depth questions about their suicidal thoughts or plans
• avoid being confrontational, yelling, or getting aggressive
• practice patience
• don’t downplay the situation or compare their situation to others
• take away direct methods of self-harm like weapons or pills
• offer to seek help for them like reaching out to a suicide hotline or psychiatric specialist

Getting Help for Suicidal Thoughts and Idealation After Using Suicide Prevention Measures

Support through treatment is available for people living with thoughts of suicide in order to prevent suicidal behaviors and actions. It’s important for people struggling with suicidal thoughts and ideation to get help as soon as possible. So, if you or a loved one is struggling with thoughts of suicide, seek assistance today.

If you need help now, there are hotlines you can call like the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-TALK (8255) which is a 24/7 line that provides access to suicide prevention crisis responders.

While crisis hotlines and spreading awareness are great resources, long-term psychiatric care on an outpatient basis can also help to address the development of suicidal thoughts and get to the root of these issues. Furthermore, psychiatric care can also provide support and assistance throughout a period of time so that people living with suicidal thoughts or intentions can develop coping skills necessary to prevent suicide long-term and establish better lives of mental wellbeing. Yellowbrick offers outpatient psychiatric care for people and families struggling with suicide. Find out more about our facilities, programs, and how we can help from our website or call 866-234-0222.