This can be a very sensitive topic to address and first and foremost, if you have lost a loved one to suicide or you have experienced suicidal thoughts or attempts, I see you and I am with you in the pain. This is a topic many people avoid due to the sensitivity of its nature but I want to spend time discussing suicide and suicide prevention as it affects many people.
Understanding Suicidality
Often, individuals who are contemplating suicide want their pain to stop, end, or decrease in some way. They are experiencing high levels of distress in their life for whichever reason, and they are usually experiencing a profound sense of hopelessness. This could be from intense emotional pain, such as feeling as if they are a burden or sadness, or adverse life events that create high levels of stress or pain.
Individuals may also be experiencing risk factors that increase the chance a person may take their own life. Some examples include: mental health conditions, chronic pain, stressful life events (ie: divorce, financial crisis, job loss), or historical factors such as childhood abuse or prior suicide attempts.
Myths About Suicide
There are many myths that go alongside suicidality such as, thinking if you talk about suicide openly it will increase the likelihood that someone will take their own life. However, talking about suicide reduces the stigma and it allows for the individual to share about their own story and pain. Another myth is that most suicides happen without warning. There are typically different warning signs that precede someone taking their own life, such as giving away their possessions, saying goodbye to loved ones, withdrawing, or significant mood swings.
One more common myth is that an individual who talks about taking their own life is just attention seeking. People who say this should always be taken seriously. It may be they are asking for someone to help them and giving them support and the ability to talk about it may help.
Assessing For Suicidality
If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, it is important to be informed of ways to recognize suicide and use prevention skills. With someone, who is suicidal, there are internal, external, and relational elements at play. Internal beliefs may look like: “I am a failure,” “No one loves me,” “I am not good enough,” or “I am a burden.” External pieces could include losing a job or loved one or financial or relational stressors such as loss of a friendship or marital issues.
It is important to assess where they may be at. Within the therapeutic world, we assess for passive versus active suicidality. Passive means an individual may have thoughts about dying but they do not have intent or a plan. Active suicidality means they have a plan, means, and intent.
Suicide Prevention Is Key
If someone expresses suicidal thoughts or a plan, I encourage you to give them space to share about what they are experiencing without judgment or shame. You can help them create a safe environment by removing any means for them to harm themselves. Encourage them to seek professional support or reach out to their therapist/team.
I often say that, as humans, we heal in community. Community is one of the key elements of suicide prevention. Explore what support they may have access to, whether friends, family, mentors, etc. We are also looking to understand what a person may do when they are experiencing pain whether emotional, mental, or physical. What provides them with hopefulness?
A part of suicide prevention is to also assess and see if the individual has protective factors in place. Examples of these factors include: access to mental health care and being proactive about it, feeling connected to loved ones, coping skills, limited access to lethal means, and (if this applies to them) cultural or religious beliefs that encourage connection and building a strong sense of purpose.
These are all questions that can help in suicide prevention. Here at Anchored Counseling Company, we do not shy away from difficult topics, because we believe that they are important to address and talk about in our world.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a plan, here are a few resources to reach out to:
- Call the suicide hotline: 988
- Go to your local hospital
- Contact your therapist or seek help from a mental health professional
You are not alone and we are here with you.
Compassionate Affirmation: “I am not a burden and my life is worth living.”
Additional Resource: TN Crisis Services and Suicide Prevention – Tennessee has many crisis resources including, 24/7/365 statewide mobile crisis for adults and children. Tennessee is also home to several Crisis Stabilization Units (CSU) and Walk-In Centers for adults and children. Click here to get connected to the many resources available.
Becoming Anchored in Hope,
Laura
LPC-MHSP, CEDS-C, ACS, NCC
Owner + Director
Laura is committed to guiding individuals along their path to mental wellness and has carefully gathered a team of skilled, knowledgeable, and committed therapists at Anchored Counseling Co. to assist in this mission.
The professionals here create an environment that is supportive and affirmed, informed by an understanding of trauma. At Anchored Counseling Co., there’s a shared belief in the fundamental worth of each person, and therapy is delivered with warmth and empathy. The therapeutic philosophy here is built on the premise that every client has the natural ability to enact meaningful and enduring change in their life.
To connect with a therapist who aligns with your unique needs, please contact our office at 615.510.3797 or contact us here.
