Suicidal ideation, while not classified as a mental health disorder, is a clinical term that refers to a person’s thoughts of ending their life. This can describe a broad range of views, but the common element among them is a person who feels hopeless enough that they think that suicide is the only way to possibly end their suffering.
Anyone who believes that they may be struggling with suicidal ideation should seek help immediately. If you feel like you’re in immediate danger of death by suicide, the Mayo Clinic recommends calling 911 or contacting the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.
Any sign or symptom of suicidal ideation should be taken seriously. By pursuing professional suicidal ideation treatment, you can significantly lower your risk for a tragic outcome while also enhancing your chances of rediscovering hope and happiness.
At Ascension Saint Thomas Behavioral Health Hospital, we’ll provide the personalized suicidal ideation treatment plan that will give you the best chance at recovery.
Signs & Symptoms of Suicidal Ideation
It might not be easy to tell the difference between a person who is having a bad day and a person who could be thinking about taking their own life. Those who struggle with suicidal ideation might do everything in their power to hide the signs of the actions they’re considering.
That’s not always the case, however. Some people may talk openly about their plans to end their own life, even in a joking manner. No matter the tone, any talk of suicidal ideation must be taken seriously.
In general terms, the following are some signs and symptoms of suicidal ideation:
- Social withdrawal
- Becoming preoccupied with death or violence
- Significant mood swings
- Giving away prized possessions
- Loss of interest in once enjoyable activities
- Negative self-image
- Increased use of alcohol or other substances
- Talking about access to guns or pills
- Major changes in sleep patterns or routines
- Participation in self-destructive or risky activities
If you’re displaying any of these signs or experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek professional intervention at a qualified suicidal ideation treatment place. At Ascension Saint Thomas Behavioral Health Hospital, we will administer a complimentary assessment to learn more about how you’re feeling. If we determine that we’re a good fit for your needs, we’ll develop a personalized treatment plan to help you begin your road to recovery.
Suicidal Ideation Statistics
Because suicidal ideation refers to a series of thoughts, it’s difficult to identify an exact number of people who struggle with this mental health concern. We’re still able to understand the prevalence of suicidal ideation by looking at the numbers of suicide attempts and deaths by suicide in the United States.
- In 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that there were an estimated 1.38 million suicide attempts in the U.S.
- Those same figures show that 47,511 Americans died by suicide in 2019.
- Suicide is the 10th-leading cause of death in the U.S., but it’s the second-leading cause of death among Americans ages 10-34, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
- The CDC notes that males die by suicide at a rate nearly four times that of females, and they account for 77.9% of all suicides.
Potential Effects of Suicidal Ideation
There is a clear, obviously tragic potential outcome of suicidal ideation. But aside from death by suicide, there are other disturbing effects suicidal ideation can have on your life if you fail to receive proper professional intervention. These include:
- Medical complications due to poor self-care
- Inability to form or maintain relationships
- Academic troubles
- Chronic unemployment
- Isolation from family and friends
- Social withdrawal
- Continued sense of hopelessness
- Onset or worsening of other mental health concerns
These effects are not guaranteed outcomes, and suicidal ideation is a treatable condition. If you’re struggling with suicidal ideation, you need a treatment plan that will consider your unique background and your strengths and goals moving forward.
At Ascension Saint Thomas Behavioral Health Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee, we’ll develop a personalized suicidal ideation treatment plan that will help you reduce the negative effects of your symptoms and lower your chances of future harm.
The Benefits of Suicidal Ideation Treatment
Suicidal ideation can leave you feeling like you’re out of options and there’s no hope. By receiving professional care at a suicidal ideation treatment place, you’ll soon see that you have a life that’s very much worth living and a future that’s full of hope.
You’ll meet other patients who have been struggling with negative thought patterns and symptoms of suicidal ideation. You’ll have a chance to learn from their experiences and understand that you’re not alone as you navigate this journey toward recovery. And you’ll benefit from a staff of esteemed clinicians who will be with you every step of the way, using their professional knowledge to chart the specific path forward that’s right for you.
By finding a suicidal ideation treatment place with a calm, serene environment that’s free of judgment, you can start to take ownership of your thoughts and actions. Soon, you’ll be able to plan for the happier, healthier days that lie ahead.
Why Choose Our Suicidal Ideation Treatment Center
It’s important to find a suicidal ideation treatment place that has the right type and level of care to meet you where you are in your recovery journey.
Ascension Saint Thomas Behavioral Health Hospital offers personalized inpatient treatment for adults age 18 and older who are struggling with suicidal ideation. Our experienced clinicians deliver acute care to patients who are in crisis to help them achieve stability and begin functioning at a higher level.
While you’re with us, you’ll have access to 24-hour nursing care in an atmosphere that’s conducive to focusing on the only thing that matters: your health. Upon completion of treatment, you’ll be set up with the tools and resources that can help you maintain your recovery.
Therapies Used in Suicidal Ideation Treatment
To help provide you with the best care possible, our staff will administer a detailed assessment when you arrive at Ascension Saint Thomas Behavioral Health Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. This will allow us to consider your medical history, any previous treatment and the severity of your symptoms to personalize a treatment plan that will best address your needs and goals.
Once we’ve developed your suicidal ideation treatment plan, your programming may include:
- Family sessions
- Medication management
- Experiential therapy
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
Our suicidal ideation treatment place uses evidence-based modalities, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), to ensure that you get the most up-to-date, beneficial care the behavioral health industry has to offer.
At the conclusion of treatment, you’ll receive a detailed discharge plan with the information and resources that can help you build on the progress you made with us.
This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at Ascension Saint Thomas Behavioral Health Hospital.