When someone is diagnosed with suicidal ideation, it means that they are having chronic thoughts of suicide. People who are struggling with suicidal ideation may believe that taking their own life is the only way to end their emotional suffering.
Suicidal ideation is a serious concern, and it’s crucial for people who are battling these thoughts to seek care immediately. If you or someone you love is having thoughts of suicide, please call 911 or reach out to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by texting or dialing 988.
While suicidal ideation is not a mental health disorder, it deserves the utmost attention. It can have devastating effects if left untreated. But fortunately, there is help available. At Maple Heights Behavioral Health, we provide crisis intervention for people who are in need of suicidal ideation treatment.
Suicidal Ideation Statistics
Because suicidal ideation refers to a person’s thoughts, it’s nearly impossible to accurately determine how many people are battling these intense feelings of despair. We can, however, get a better understanding of just how prevalent suicidal ideation is by looking at statistics on suicide and suicide attempts. The statistics are staggering, and sadly, the number of suicide attempts may even be underreported due to the sensitive nature of the topic.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports the following statistics about suicide attempts and deaths by suicide in the United States:
- Nearly 46,000 individuals died by suicide in 2020, meaning that one life was lost to suicide every 11 minutes.
- In 2020, roughly 3.2 million adults planned a suicide attempt, and 1.2 million attempted suicide.
Suicidal ideation affects people of all genders, ethnicities, ages, and socioeconomic statuses. If you are having suicidal thoughts or are worried about a loved one who may need crisis intervention, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline today.
Signs & Symptoms of Suicidal Ideation
Some people may be forthcoming about their battle with suicidal ideation, but many might try to mask their pain and hide the dangerous thoughts they’re having. Being knowledgeable about the signs and symptoms of suicidal ideation can help you identify when a loved one is struggling.
Signs and symptoms of suicidal ideation include:
- Social isolation or wanting to stay away from others
- Talking about accessing pills or guns
- Dramatic mood swings
- Making preparations, such as giving away treasured items
- Becoming preoccupied with death
- Significant loss of interest in activities
- Increased use of alcohol or other substances
- Major changes in sleep patterns, routines, or physical appearance
- Participation in self-harm or risky activities
- Threatening suicide
If someone you know is exhibiting any of these warning signs, they should seek professional intervention at a suicidal ideation treatment center. At Maple Heights Behavioral Health, we can help people who are having thoughts of suicide understand that their life is valuable and worth living.
Effects of Suicidal Ideation
The clearest threat of suicidal ideation is the potential outcome of death by suicide, which can have a catastrophic impact on everyone involved. When a person seeks care at a suicidal ideation treatment place early, they can greatly reduce their risk for death by suicide and other negative consequences of suicidal ideation.
Other long-term effects of suicidal ideation include:
- Medical complications resulting from lack of self-care
- Onset of other mental health concerns
- Difficulty maintaining relationships
- Employment problems
- Social isolation
At Maple Heights Behavioral Health, we offer comprehensive, individualized treatment that can help you avoid the lasting effects of suicidal ideation. With guidance from our team of experts, you’ll have the chance to learn tools and strategies that can help you find a path forward.
Benefits of Getting Suicidal Ideation Treatment
When someone has suicidal thoughts, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they want to end their life, but it is a sign that they are in intense emotional distress. Sometimes, if a person openly talks about death or suicide, it may be a cry for help.
If a person wants to engage in a discussion about suicidal thoughts or actions, it’s vital for you to listen without judgment and help them find the care they need. Helping them seek professional intervention can ultimately save their life.
At a qualified suicidal ideation treatment center, people who are battling suicidal thoughts participate in therapies and services that can provide them with the support they need to achieve improved health. During therapy sessions, they have the opportunity to connect with other people who share similar struggles. These bonds that are formed during treatment can be an invaluable reminder that you are not alone on your journey to healing.
Therapies Used in Suicidal Ideation Treatment
At Maple Heights Behavioral Health, we can help you explore underlying concerns that may have led you to struggle with thoughts of suicide. We’ll begin by conducting an in-depth evaluation to help us identify your presenting symptoms, unique needs, and goals for treatment. Our team will use this information to determine certain elements of your care so that we can help you achieve the most desirable treatment outcomes possible.
A person’s treatment plan may include:
- Basic medical care
- Medication management services
- Detoxification
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Family counseling
- Group sessions
Finding the Right Suicidal Ideation Treatment Center
Suicidal ideation affects people in vastly different ways. Suicidal thoughts can be brief, or they can be all-consuming. No matter the intensity or frequency, these chronic negative thoughts should be addressed promptly to give the individual who is suffering the best chance of success.
At our hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana, we provide programming to stabilize our patients who are in need of crisis intervention. With round-the-clock care, patients receive continual monitoring and focused support from a staff of highly trained professionals.
Our compassionate team delivers services in a secure environment where patients can concentrate on healing. Together, we can help you return to the happy life you once knew.
This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at Maple Heights Behavioral Health.