For our readers: this blog discusses thoughts of suicide and suicidal ideation. If you or someone you love is struggling with suicidal thoughts, call 988 or chat with someone at the 988 Lifeline.
More Americans are affected by major depression than any other mental health condition. A variety of symptoms can point to the presence of depression. For many people, these symptoms include thoughts of suicide. If you’re depressed or thinking about suicide, it’s vital that you seek help. Modern depression treatment is highly effective, and most people recover with professional care. You can also do things on your own to cope with suicidal thoughts and down mental states. These additional steps provide another layer of recovery support.
Having Thoughts of Suicide – How Common Is It?
Year in and year out, suicide ranks as one of the top causes of death in the U.S. Research shows that about six million Americans think of suicide in any given year. If anything, this number has increased since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Out of all people who experience suicidal thoughts, roughly 50% will make plans to follow through on those thoughts. Almost half of those who make suicidal plans will actually attempt suicide. Sadly, about one of every two of these people will die in their first attempt.
Suicidal ideation, or thoughts of suicide without action, can occur in mental health conditions other than depression as well, such as bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Risk Factors for Suicidal Thinking
Multiple risk factors can increase your chances of having thoughts of suicide. The list of these factors includes:
- Persistent sadness, helplessness, hopelessness, and other classic depression symptoms
- High levels of social isolation
- Excessive use of drugs or alcohol
- Frequent or intense mood swings
- Heightened feelings of rage or anger
- A sense of being trapped and without options
- Exposure to high levels of stress or anxiety
- Chronic, extreme pain
Additional known factors include feeling like a burden to others and a lack of a sense of purpose.
Ways to Effectively Cope With Suicidal Thoughts
Recurring thoughts of suicide are a serious mental health emergency. If you experience them, it’s essential that you seek help as soon as possible. In many cases, the quickest route to getting this help is a call to a local, regional, or national suicide hotline. These hotlines operate around the clock and can help you make it through a suicidal crisis.
Once a crisis passes, seek help from a doctor or mental health expert. These professionals can help determine the underlying reasons for your thoughts of suicide. They can also recommend appropriate treatment for depression or other conditions affecting you.
In addition, experts recommend that you take further steps to cope with suicidal thoughts. These steps include such things as:
- Taking good care of your general health
- Steering clear of drug or alcohol use
- Avoiding any things that you know trigger your suicidal thoughts
It’s also important to note that these thoughts often pass if you give them time to do so.
How to Overcome Suicide Thoughts
Proper treatment is the best way to overcome thoughts of suicide. The vast majority of people who seek help for depression get better in time. It’s considered one of the most treatable of all mental health conditions. Professional treatment can also help you overcome any other underlying sources of suicidal thinking.
Find Out More About Ways to Cope With Suicidal Thoughts at Northpoint
Want more information on how to overcome suicidal thoughts? The professionals at Northpoint Colorado are standing by. Our timely advice and support can help you avoid the dire consequences of unchecked suicidal thinking.
Northpoint specializes in the treatment of depression combined with substance problems. Our customized plans support recovery from suicidal thinking. They also support recovery from the many other effects of depression and addiction. To get started, just call us today at 888.231.1281. You can also contact us through our convenient online message form.