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Suicidal Ideation
Fast Facts
You are of infinite worth and are needed, wanted, and loved.
There are many resources designed specifically to help you through your darkness.
You are of infinite worth and are needed, wanted, and loved.
You may feel alone, but you are not alone.
There are many resources designed specifically to help you through your darkness.
You are of infinite worth and are needed, wanted, and loved.
There are many resources designed specifically to help you through your darkness.
There are many resources designed specifically to help you through your darkness.
There are many resources designed specifically to help you through your darkness.
If you or someone you know is in crisis:
What do I do if I Have Thoughts to Kill Myself?
What is Suicidal Ideation?
Suicide and suicidal thoughts are heavy topics for anyone to face. But remaining silent about suicide and suicidal thoughts is much, much heavier, and more dangerous for individuals, families, and communities.
Thank you for taking the steps to learn about these important topics.
From the get go, we at Psycophi want you to know that you do matter and your life is of infinite worth. Together, as individuals, families, and communities, let’s address this important issue.
First, let's name it to tame it. There are lots of terms and definitions you may or may not have heard about. And that is OK. Let's talk about each one so we can better understand.
Suicide is death caused by injuring oneself with the intent to die (1).
A suicide attempt is when someone harms themselves with any intent to end their life, but do not die as a result of their actions.
Suicidal thoughts, also referred to as suicidal ideation, is when you think about killing yourself.
This suicidal thinking can vary, ranging from passively thinking about suicide (referred to as passive suicidal ideation) to actively planning and seeking to end your life (referred to as active suicidal ideation).
Passive Suicidal Ideation:
Perhaps your girlfriend/boyfriend just broke up with you, you lost your job, or are stuck in an awful situation. Stressful events and situations can cause anyone to declare something along the lines of “I wish I were not here” or “I wish I were dead.”
This is passive suicidal ideation.
These thoughts happen. These thoughts happen to a lot of people. Millions of millions of people experience passive suicidal ideation.
It can be scary and worrisome. Having these thoughts does not make you a bad person. It simply means you are human, and there are stressors in your life that your body and mind finds challenging. It also means that it is time to seek help.
Are you looking to boost your mental health, but are struggling to make lasting lifestyle changes?
Don't worry, Psycophi has got you covered with our 9-week course "Mental Health & You: Lifestyle Changes to Optimize Your Life."
If you prefer a more individualized approach, our Mental Health Life Coaching Packages offer tailored one-on-one support to help you achieve your mental health goals.
Take the first step towards a happier and healthier life today. Let us empower you to become the best version of yourself!
Active suicidal ideation:
Active suicidal ideation can be brought on by stressful events and situations that vary for each person. Regardless of the causes, those with active suicidal thoughts take steps to end their life. This could include creating a plan, writing a suicide note, purchasing a gun, or stockpiling pills.
These thoughts happen to a lot of people. Millions of people experience active suicidal ideation.
Having these thoughts are scary. Having active suicidal thoughts does not make you a bad person. It simply means you are human, and there are significant stressors and challenges in your life that your body and mind finds challenging.
It also means that it is time to seek immediate help from trained professionals.
If you, or someone you know is passively or actively suicidal, Psycophi wants you to know that you are not alone. There are many resources dedicated to helping you.
Stage 1: Recognize
What can cause suicidal thoughts?
There are many things that play a role in causing passive and active suicidal thoughts. Genetics, environment, personality, physical and mental health, controllable things, and uncontrollable things. All are contributors.
Often times, individuals who feel like they are facing insurmountable challenges that feel impossible to resolve develop suicidal thoughts. Certain medications can cause suicidal thoughts. Depression, anxiety, and other underlying mental health disorders contribute as well.
Here are are some common symptoms and warnings of suicidal ideation.
Hey, You. Yes, YOU!
Remember. You matter. You are important. You are loved.
Symptoms of Suicidal Thoughts and Suicidal Warning Signs: (3)
- Feeling empty or hopeless, guilty or shamed
- Feeling trapped and/or out of options
- Making statements such as “I’m going to kill myself,” “I wish I were dead,” or “I wish I hadn’t been born”
- Having severe mood swings (such as being emotionally high one day and deeply discouraged the next)
- Being preoccupied with death, dying, or violence
- Behaving in a risky or impulsive manner
- Being in significant physical or mental pain
- Withdrawing from social contact and wanting to be left alone
- Getting the means to take your own life, such as buying a gun or stockpiling pills
- Increased use of drugs or alcohol
- Giving away belongings or getting affairs in order when there is no other logical explanation for those actions
- Saying goodbye to loved ones as if they won’t be seen again
It is important to note that warning signs vary per individual and are not always obvious. Some people make their intentions very clear while others keep their suicidal thoughts and feelings closely guarded.
Get Help Now!
If you or someone you know is demonstrating any of these symptoms, you are highly encouraged to reach out and seek help from trained professionals.
Stage 2: Respond
What should I do if I have thoughts to kill myself?
If you or a loved one are experiencing thoughts about not wanting to live or are having thoughts about attempting to kill yourself, get help now. Do not wait. There are resources created for you because you are important. You are needed. You are of infinite worth.
If You Need Immediate Help:
- In the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. People are available for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Services are free and confidential
- If you are a U.S. Veteran or service member, call 988 and press 1 or text 838255
- Call 911 in the U.S. or your local emergency number immediately
If you are experiencing passive or active suicidal thoughts but are not immediately thinking of hurting yourself:
- Call a suicide hotline as outlined above
- Make an appointment with your physician, health care provider, mental health specialist, or therapist
- Reach out to a close friend or loved one
Your Resources:
Call or text the suicide hotline at 911 or 988.
Stage 3: Optimize
Ways to Combat Your Suicidal Thoughts:
The reality is, no one should face their suicidal thoughts alone. Tools, training and professional help are available to all.
If you are experiencing symptoms similar to what is described above, Psycophi highly encourages you seek out professional medical help. There are resources dedicated to helping you navigate life while experiencing suicidal ideation.
Medications can play an important role in your recovery to a healthier state of mind.
Mentation (therapy, counseling, and mind work) can play an important role in your journey to a healthier state of mind.
Modifications in your life and lifestyle can play a role in your journey to a healthier state of mind.
If you would like additional help by using scientifically proven lifestyle changes to improve health and mental health, check out our 9-week course, Mental Health and You: Lifestyle Changes to Optimize Your Life.
Once again. You are not alone. Ask for help. Remember—even if you do not feel it, you are of infinite worth. YOU are needed, wanted, and loved.
The Psycophi Team
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References
1. (2022, October 24). Facts about Suicide. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/index.html.
2. As quoted by Crosby, A., Ortega, L., & Melanson, C. Self-directed violence surveillance: Uniform definitions and recommended data elements, version 1.0 [PDF – 1 MB]. (2011) Atlanta, GA: CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/index.html
About the Author: Bryson Ensign
Bryson is a certified Life Coach and a first year medical resident training to become a psychiatrist. He has suffered from social anxiety and generalized anxiety. After landing in the ER from a panic attack that felt like a heart attack, he became an advocate for others experiencing the same mental health struggles. He now dedicates his life to empowering those in the mental health community with the tools they need to turn their lives around and find heightened satisfaction in pursuing the things that truly matter to them.
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