Someone struggling with suicidal thoughts can be very good at hiding them because they do not want to reveal their vulnerability. It is hard to survive these painful thoughts if you do not reach out for support. Mental health experts in Parade have broken the stigma of mental health by speaking about what we need to know about suicidal thoughts to take action against them.
It is Not Enough to Just Want the Thoughts to Go Away
Because of how uncomfortable suicidal thoughts are, people think that ignoring them will make them go away. The truth is that this is rarely the case. Just because you cannot wish these thoughts does not mean they will stay with you forever. You can learn to challenge these negative thoughts through forms of therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy. Learning these new skills to challenge these thoughts and keep in mind they will go away through treatment will send you relief.
Asking About Suicidal Thoughts Will Not Trigger Them
People tend to worry that if they ask someone if they are thinking of suicide, it will encourage them to go through with it. They are afraid of planting the idea in their head. The truth is not asking them questions will make them think you do not care or do not want to get involved. Asking someone if they are experiencing suicidal thoughts will show you care about them and are concerned with what is going on in their head. It will provide that person the opportunity to talk about their problems and come up with potential solutions.
Suicidal Thoughts Come in Varying Degrees
Suicidal thoughts are not all or nothing where you either experience them, or you do not. Suicidal thoughts are on a spectrum where you have relatively mild fleeting thoughts or thoughts that signal an emergency. It is normal to have thoughts about your death. However, if you continue having these thoughts and feel like hurting yourself, these thoughts are warnings that you need professional help to avoid going through with it. If you know someone who is struggling with suicidal thoughts, it is important to speak to that person’s spouse, parent, friend, or anyone else who can help with that person mentioning suicidal thoughts and providing as many details as possible. Your knowledge about the alarming facts of suicidal thoughts can save someone’s life.
Suicidal thoughts are never something to take lightly if they are persistent and causing that person to go into depression. Learning about suicidal thoughts can make a difference in saving a person’s life as well as your own. At Alta Loma, we understand how hard it is to shut off suicidal thoughts and about your will to live. Our transformative treatment center in Georgetown, Texas, will provide you with the tools you need to get better, like individualized therapy, coping skills education, therapeutic recreational activities, medication management, and more. Please call (866) 457-3843 to learn more information.
