Suicidal ideation isn’t a mental health disorder, but it’s a concern that must be taken very seriously. This clinical term refers to a person’s thoughts of taking their own life.
If you’re in immediate danger of death by suicide, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) recommends texting NAMI to 741741 or calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.
While any thoughts of suicide must be taken seriously, 90% of individuals who have made a suicide attempt continue living and being engaged in their lives, according to NAMI. At CenterPointe Hospital in St. Charles, Missouri, we offer personalized suicidal ideation treatment for adolescents, adults, and senior adults.
Signs & Symptoms of Suicidal Ideation
Some people who are living with suicidal ideation are open about the option they’re considering. So many others, however, try convincingly to hide signs of potentially imminent harm.
Common signs and symptoms of suicidal ideation include:
- Social withdrawal
- Trouble with self-image
- Preoccupation with violence or death
- Increased participation in risky activities
- Loss of interest in hobbies they once enjoyed
- Noticeable mood swings
- Major changes to sleep patterns or other routines
- Increased use of alcohol or other substances
If you or someone you know is displaying any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek professional help at a suicidal ideation treatment place. By finding the right type and level of care, you can begin to understand just how serious suicidal ideation is and see that your life is worth living.
Suicidal Ideation Statistics
Suicidal ideation refers to a series of thoughts, so it’s difficult to determine how prevalent it is.
But by examining statistics about suicide attempts and death by suicide around the country, we can better understand how widespread suicidal ideation actually is.
- The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) reports that there were an estimated 1.2 million suicide attempts in the United States in 2020.
- There were 45,979 Americans who died by suicide in 2020, making it the 12th-leading cause of death, according to AFSP.
- Firearms accounted for 52.8% of suicide deaths in 2020.
- According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 80% of all deaths by suicide in the U.S. are among men and women ages 45-54.
- Men die by suicide at a rate nearly four times that of women, per AFSP.
Potential Effects of Suicidal Ideation
Death by suicide is obviously the most tragic outcome of suicidal ideation. But there are plenty of other negative effects suicidal ideation can have if left untreated, such as:
- Onset or worsening of other mental health concerns
- Medical complications due to a lack of self-care
- Difficulty forming or maintaining relationships with friends and family
- Constant sense of hopelessness or emptiness
- Academic or professional struggles
Struggling with suicidal ideation doesn’t mean that you’ll experience any of or all these effects. But if you are having these dangerous thoughts, reaching out for help from a suicidal ideation treatment center can make a lasting positive difference.
The Benefits of Suicidal Ideation Treatment
For a person who is grappling with suicidal ideation, hopelessness may be a common feeling. A sense of isolation can add to that, making it feel like suicide is the only answer.
But by receiving care at a suicidal ideation treatment place, you’ll be able to see how valuable your life is. You’ll work with a team of dedicated professionals who want to see you thrive, and they’ll guide you through the clinical aspects of your time in treatment. They’ll put together your suicidal ideation treatment plan, and they’ll use their clinical knowledge and evidence-based methods to help you lay the foundation for a healthier life.
You can also meet others who have experienced symptoms of suicidal ideation and the negative thought patterns that often go with them. By understanding that you’re not alone and that others are on similar journeys, you can forge bonds that can be highly beneficial on your road to healing.
Choosing the Right Suicidal Ideation Treatment Center
Every person who struggles with suicidal ideation has a unique experience. That’s what makes it crucial to find a suicidal ideation treatment center that considers the specific hurdles you’re facing on your individual journey.
Important questions to ask when looking for a suicidal ideation treatment center include:
- What levels of care are offered?
- How does the admissions process work?
- Is each treatment plan customized, or is there a one-size-fits-all approach?
- What will happen when I’m done with treatment?
At our suicidal ideation treatment center, we designed our admissions process to help you get access to the care you need as quickly as possible. Our team of experts will present you with a personalized treatment plan that can address your unique needs. They will also begin compiling helpful information that can assist in your sustained healing upon discharge.
Therapies Used in Suicidal Ideation Treatment
We will provide you with a pre-admission assessment that can help us create your personalized suicidal ideation treatment plan. Elements of this plan may include:
- Individual therapy
- Basic medical care
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
- Experiential therapies, such as art, music, and yoga
- Medication management services
- Support for a dual diagnosis
Throughout your time in treatment, you may participate in interventions that use the following evidence-based methods: dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and motivational interviewing.
Living with suicidal ideation can feel suffocating and can impact many areas of your life. But by trusting the professionals at CenterPointe Hospital, you can learn to manage your symptoms and find a path to a healthier future.
This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at CenterPointe Hospital.