Therapy for Suicidal Ideation
If you battle with thoughts of suicide and feel an intense sense of despair, aloneness, lack of purpose, self-loathing, or sadness, counseling can be beneficial. As a licensed professional counselor, I am able to help you learn to manage your issues which may include a feeling of worthlessness, intense grief and sadness, and the fear and nervousness that goes along with them.
It is important to seek immediate help if you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide.
What is Suicidal Ideation?
Suicidal ideation is thoughts or fantasies of taking one’s own life. It is not an uncommon experience for people to experience suicidal thoughts in times of emotional distress or crisis. Common causes of suicidal ideation include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Substance abuse
- Trauma and abuse
- Chronic physical pain or illness
- Life stressors such as the death of a loved one, job loss, or financial trouble
Studies suggest that people who struggle with suicidal ideation often feel a profound sense of hopelessness, powerlessness, and despair that can lead to thoughts of suicide. Therapy can help address the emotional and physical symptoms of suicidal ideation such as difficulty concentrating, lack of appetite, sleeping problems, and exhaustion.
Symptoms of Suicidal Ideation
- Constant or recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
- Decreased mood and lack of interest in activities
- Lack of purpose or meaning in life
- Isolation from family, friends, or relationships
- Social withdrawal
- Feelings of guilt, shame, and worthlessness
- Hopelessness or helplessness
- Excessive sleep or insomnia
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Difficulty concentrating
- Agitation or restlessness
- General fatigue
- Feelings of grief and sadness
- Heightened fear and anxiety
How Does Therapy Work?
I begin by creating an environment of safety and trust, where my client can express their thoughts and feelings without judgment and begin to open up about their struggles with suicidal ideation. My main approach to this issue is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), since it focuses on how our thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes determine our emotions and behaviors, and ultimately affect our mental health and well-being.
Through CBT, I can help my client identify unhelpful thoughts and patterns in order to challenge them and change the way they view and respond to their situation. I can provide guidance on how to cope with suicidal thoughts, and help you learn to identify and manage triggers and develop healthy strategies to cope with your feelings.
My goal as your counselor is to help you develop better coping skills and alternative thoughts in order to reduce symptoms associated with suicidal ideation. Through therapy, you can work to reevaluate your values and beliefs about life, yourself, and your world, and find healthier ways to manage stressful thoughts and emotions. I can also help a person learn how to better regulate their emotions to prevent the onset of suicidal urges.