Suicidal Ideation

Suicidal ideation is another term for suicidal thoughts. People struggling with suicidal ideation are unusually preoccupied with thoughts of death and dying, and may actually plan their suicide. The suicidal thoughts may range from brief mental snapshots to detailed planning, although most people who have fleeting thoughts of suicide do not go on to commit suicide. In the U.S., approximately 4% of the adult population had thoughts about suicide in 2016. However, that number more than doubles among young adults aged 18-25.

Causes and Risk Factors for Suicide Ideation

While suicide ideation is often associated with a clinically diagnoses mental health disorder, those with no history of mental illness may also struggle with suicidal thoughts. In these individuals, they may be feeling hopeless and despairing about their life circumstances and can no longer cope, possibly having suffered a job loss, a divorce, or the death of a loved one. Chronic stress, relationship problems, financial problems, or ongoing abuse or trauma are also known issues that can contribute to suicidal thinking.

Risk factors for suicidal ideation and completed suicide might include:

• Loneliness
• Chronic pain or disease
• Served in the military
• Being unmarried
• Being gay, lesbian, transgender
• Having a traumatic brain injury
• History of childhood trauma or abuse
• Having a substance use disorder
• Having access to firearms
• Having a mental health disorder
• Family history of suicide
• Living in rural area
• Witnessing family violence
• Unplanned pregnancy
• Victim of bullying
• Past suicide attempts

Mental Health Disorders With Comorbid Suicide Ideation

A variety of psychiatric disorders are known to feature comorbid suicidal ideation. These include:

• Major depressive disorder
• Borderline personality disorder
• Bipolar disorder
• Anxiety disorders
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Autism spectrum disorders
• Substance use disorders

In addition, it has been found that among young adults with mental health disorders who are on antidepressant drug therapy, a percentage of them may experience suicidal ideation as a side effect of the SSRI drug.

Warning Signs of Suicide Ideation

Someone who is experiencing recurrent thoughts of ending their life may be exhibiting certain behaviors that can act as red flags for loved ones. By recognizing the warning signs of someone with suicidal ideation, help can be provided in a timely manner. Some of the warning signs of suicidal ideation include:

• Isolating behavior
• Talking about death or suicide with others
• Increased drug or alcohol abuse
• Giving away their prized possessions
• Manic mood, racing thoughts
• Anxious, jumpy
• Anger, irritability
• Mood swings
• Engaging in high-risk behaviors
• Seeming hopeless or very sad
• Seeming to be saying final goodbyes
• Accessing the items to be used in a suicide, such as a gun, rope, drugs or medications

Treatment of Suicide Ideation

For an acute event where someone is seriously at risk of committing suicide, the individual should receive immediate intervention. Stabilization can be provided at a medical hospital, a psychiatric hospital, or a residential mental health center. For individuals who struggle with ongoing thoughts of death and suicide, the residential treatment option is appropriate.

Elevation Behavioral Health provides a tranquil, personalized setting for treating individuals with suicidal ideation. With a combination of targeted psychotherapy, group therapy, holistic activities, family support and therapy, and medication, the individual will receive an intensive and thorough comprehensive treatment regimen to help them overcome suicidal ideation.