Suicidal Ideation

Some of the signs and symptoms associated with suicidal ideation are: 

• Talking about death or suicide: Statements such as “I wish I were dead” or “I can’t go on anymore” can indicate that a person is having suicidal thoughts. 

• Withdrawing from others: If a person suddenly begins to avoid their friends, family, and social activities, they may be experiencing emotional distress. 

• Mood swings: Suicidal ideation may cause a person to experience extreme shifts in mood, such as going quickly from deep sadness to calmness. 

• Feeling hopeless or trapped: A person who is struggling with suicidal ideation may express feelings of despair or state that they believe that there is no way out of their current situation. 

• Increased substance use: A noticeable rise in alcohol or drug use may indicate that a person is trying to cope with overwhelming feelings. 

• Giving away belongings: If a person donates or gifts cherished possessions, this can suggest that they are experiencing suicidal thoughts. 

• Engaging in risky behavior: A person may begin acting recklessly, such as driving impaired, which might reflect a sudden lack of concern for personal safety. 

• Changes in sleep patterns: A person who is struggling with suicidal thoughts may experience insomnia or sleep excessively. 

• Loss of interest in activities: A person’s sudden disinterest in hobbies or things that once brought them joy can signal deep emotional pain. 

• Talking about being a burden: Making comments such as “everyone would be better off without me” may indicate that a person is struggling with suicidal ideation. 

 

If you or someone you know is currently experiencing suicidal ideation, please call 911 or reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) by texting or dialing 988.  

Suicidal ideation can have many causes, including deep emotional pain and feelings of hopelessness. Mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder are common contributors to suicidal ideation, as they can create overwhelming feelings of despair. Life challenges, such as the loss of a loved one, financial difficulties, and relationship problems, can also lead to a person having thoughts of suicide, especially when these factors are combined with a sense of feeling trapped or powerless. For some people, past trauma, abuse, or neglect may play a role in suicidal ideation, as these experiences can deeply affect a person’s sense of self-worth and emotional resilience. Additionally, if a person has a chronic illness or physical pain, misuses substances, or has a lack of support from friends and family, their risk for suicidal ideation can increase. It’s important to remember that everyone’s situation is unique and that suicidal thoughts often stem from a combination of factors. 

Recognizing the causes of and risk factors for suicidal ideation can help guide prevention efforts and early intervention. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal ideation, support and professional help can make a significant difference. At Turning Point Centers in Sandy, Utah, we recognize the complexities and nuances of mental health, and we are committed to supporting our clients every step of the way on their unique journey to healing.  

Suicidal ideation is a serious public health concern in the United States and impacts millions of people every year. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in 2022, 13.2 million adults said that they had seriously considered suicide. Among those people, 3.8 million had developed a plan for suicide, and 1.6 million had made a suicide attempt. These numbers highlight the importance of addressing mental health and providing support for those who are struggling with suicidal ideation as soon as possible.  

• Immediate safety and stabilization: Professional treatment facilities provide a safe environment where people can process and manage their distressing thoughts. 

• Understanding underlying causes: Receiving treatment can help people uncover and address the root causes of suicidal ideation, such as mental health conditions, trauma, and life stressors. 

• Building coping skills: Suicidal ideation treatment, including therapy, can give people tools for managing their stress, regulating their emotions, and navigating difficult situations in healthier ways. 

• Improved emotional resilience: Receiving counseling can help strengthen a person’s resilience, making it easier for them to handle future challenges. 

• Strengthened support systems: Treatment can help people connect with supportive networks, such as peer support groups, and communicate better with their family and friends. 

• Better quality of life: When people address mental health concerns, they are actively working toward personal growth and healing. This can lead to a more positive and hopeful outlook and a better quality of life. 

• Prevention of future crises: Suicidal ideation treatment equips people with long-term strategies to manage their symptoms and can reduce the risk for future suicidal thoughts. 

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT can help people identify and modify their negative thought patterns and behaviors. 

• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): DBT combines cognitive behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices to help with a person’s distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal relationships. DBT has been shown to be effective in treating mood disorders and suicidal ideation. 

• Individual and group therapy: Turning Point offers individual therapy sessions and supportive group sessions where people can explore their feelings, share their experiences, and develop healthier coping strategies. 

• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): MAT can help people address any underlying mental health conditions that may increase the risk for suicidal ideation. At Turning Point, medication is not a required part of treatment, and whether a person takes medication as part of their treatment plan is always up to them. 

• Family therapy: By involving family members in the therapeutic process, clients can improve communication, strengthen relationships, and build a supportive home environment that is more conducive to long-term healing. 

Choosing the right suicidal ideation treatment center starts with finding a facility where the staff truly understands your needs and prioritizes your overall well-being. At Turning Point, we know that no two people are the same, and we focus on the whole person, not just their symptoms. We will create a personalized treatment plan for you based on your individual needs. Our treatment options for suicidal ideation include evidence-based therapies, medication support when appropriate, and a focus on overall wellness through mindfulness, nutrition, and fitness.  

When you receive care at Turning Point, you’ll find yourself in a supportive and tranquil environment. Our boutique-style treatment facility offers views of the breathtaking Wasatch Mountains and the Salt Lake Valley. Our beautiful and natural setting provides a peaceful place for clients to reflect, rest, and heal.  

We know that taking the first step toward treatment for suicidal ideation can feel difficult, but it is a powerful move toward hope and a brighter future. At Turning Point Centers, we’re here to listen, to help guide you, and to walk alongside you on your unique journey toward healing. 

If you or someone you know is currently experiencing suicidal ideation, please call 911 or reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) by texting or dialing 988.  

This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at Turning Point Centers.