Suicidal ideation is not classified as a mental health disorder. Rather, it’s a clinical term that refers to a person’s thoughts of ending their own life.
Anyone who feels hopeless and helpless enough to think that suicide is the answer should seek help immediately. Mayo Clinic recommends calling 911 or contacting the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.
Any thoughts of suicide should be taken seriously, and professional intervention can have a life-changing impact. At Glenwood Behavioral Health Hospital, we provide acute inpatient treatment for adults age 18 and older who are struggling with suicidal ideation.
Signs & Symptoms of Suicidal Ideation
A person who is struggling with suicidal ideation may attempt to hide signs of what they could be considering. But the opposite can be true as well. Some people may talk openly about the possibility of ending their own life.
Suicidal ideation signs and symptoms include:
- Preoccupation with death or violence
- Increased use of alcohol or other substances
- Giving away prized possessions
- Significant mood swings
- Making statements about death or dying
- Displaying a negative self-image
- Participating in self-destructive activities
- Social withdrawal
- Discussing access to pills or guns
- Loss of interest in once enjoyable activities
If you have shown any of these suicidal ideation signs or symptoms, it’s critical that you seek professional treatment immediately. A qualified provider can help you understand your suicidal ideation signs and symptoms and show you that there is a positive path forward for you.
Suicidal Ideation Statistics
Because suicidal ideation refers to a series of thoughts, it’s impossible to determine exactly how many people are struggling with these overwhelming feelings.
But by looking at the number of suicide attempts and deaths by suicide in the United States, we can see why suicidal ideation is a very real concern.
- Suicide is the 10th-leading cause of death in the U.S., but according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), it’s second among Americans ages 10-34 and fourth among ages 35-54.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that there were an estimated 1.38 million suicide attempts in the United States in 2019.
- Also according to the CDC, 47,511 Americans died by suicide in 2019. That’s about 130 per day.
- Men die by suicide at a rate nearly four times that of women, says the CDC, and they account for 77.9% of all suicides.
- Caucasian males accounted for 69.4% of suicide deaths in 2019.
Potential Effects of Suicidal Ideation
There is one obvious, tragic potential outcome of suicidal ideation. But there are many other concerning effects suicidal ideation can have on your life if left untreated, including:
- Social withdrawal
- Isolation from friends and family
- Onset or worsening of other mental health concerns
- Inability to form or maintain relationships
- Medical concerns due to a lack of self-care
- Perpetual sense of hopelessness
- Chronic unemployment or academic struggles
These outcomes are not guaranteed. But the longer a person who is struggling with suicidal thoughts goes without receiving professional treatment, the more likely these suicidal ideation effects are to take hold. With comprehensive, evidence-based treatment from a suicidal ideation treatment place, you can have a better chance of addressing your struggles before any negative suicidal ideation effects take place.
The Benefits of Suicidal Ideation Treatment
Suicidal ideation can leave you feeling hopeless, desperate, and alone. It can seem like there is no other choice. But by pursuing care at a professional suicidal ideation treatment place, you can discover that your life is worth living and that hope is on the horizon.
You will benefit from meeting other patients who are experiencing symptoms of suicidal ideation and the negative thought patterns that often accompany them. By understanding that you’re not alone, you’ll be able to gain perspective on the pain of your past and develop bonds as you chart a better path forward.
You’ll also benefit from the professional clinicians who will walk side by side with you throughout your journey with us. With their expert knowledge and consideration for your unique experiences, you’ll have the best chance to succeed in treatment and form a foundation for better health and happiness.
Why Choose Our Suicidal Ideation Treatment Center
No one’s experience with suicidal ideation is exactly the same. That’s why it’s important to find a suicidal ideation treatment center that works diligently to address your individual needs.
At our suicidal ideation treatment place, you’ll receive round-the-clock care from a team of compassionate professionals whose goal is to help you heal in an atmosphere of dignity and respect.
Prior to admission, we’ll administer a comprehensive assessment that will help us better understand your medical history, any previous suicidal ideation treatment, and your goals during your time with us. That will form the basis of your personalized suicidal ideation treatment plan.
From the time you begin programming, we’ll regularly update your detailed discharge plan. This document will reflect the progress you made with us and allow for continued healing in the days, weeks, and months to come. It often includes community resources, alumni group information, and details on follow-up services that can help you on your extended recovery journey after you leave our suicidal ideation treatment place.
Therapies Used in Suicidal Ideation Treatment
Your struggles with suicidal ideation are unique to you. At Glenwood Behavioral Health Hospital, we consider your personal journey and work hard to understand what you want to achieve during your time in treatment.
Your personalized treatment plan will set the stage for your time with us. We ask that you actively participate in programming, which will include a variety of therapeutic interventions that are tailored to your specific needs. These may include:
- Individual therapy
- Family therapy
- Activities therapy
- Recreational therapy
- Multiple types of group therapy
People who are experiencing suicidal thoughts should seek help from a qualified professional as quickly as possible. With suicidal ideation treatment from Glenwood Behavioral Health Hospital, you can start to understand how valuable and rewarding your life is.
This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at Glenwood Behavioral Health Hospital.