How to recognise suicidal thoughts?

Suicide is not a psychological condition in itself, but a consequence of other mental disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, borderline personality disorder, schizophrenia, and different types of addictions such as substance use disorders.

What are the signs telling you that you might have suicidal thoughts?

Recent traumatic events

A major traumatic situation such as the loss of a loved-one, a break-up of a loving relationship, diagnosis related to a chronic condition or important financial problems might trigger suicide thoughts even a suicide attempt.

Often, a person considering suicide may start to organise their personal and professional stuff and to put some order in it. This might include giving away personal belongings, clearing up the house, visiting friends, relatives and friends to informally and indirectly say ‘good bye’. Some people will write a letter before committing suicide where they will explain the ‘motivations’ for this act.

Withdrawal

Social isolation, including avoiding meeting with family and friends, as well as being socially engaged in different activities are also possible signs of approaching suicidal attempt. This means that suicidal individuals prepare their departure by putting a distance between the external world and themselves. Some people prefer to start to emotionally disinvest and disengage from people, places, and things they love. Withdrawal becomes then a kind of transition between life and death.

Excessive sadness

A deep sense of hopelessness and sadness about the future and life in general and a little expectation that things will improve are signs that someone intends to commit suicide. Sometimes these can be symptoms of depression or other psychological conditions. This is why, if you notice these symptoms, you should know that something is going wrong and you should look for external help. Don’t wait for these symptoms to disappear by themselves. This rarely happens.

Who is most likely to commit suicide?

Research has demonstrated that suicide rates are high across each age group where adolescents, young adults and elderly aged 65+ have the highest rate of suicide. Please note that patients’ personal history, genetic and environmental factors, as well as related psychological and physical conditions also play a role.

At risk groups are elderly who have lost their partner and who are socially isolated; people with a family history of clinical depression and suicide; people affected with chronic and terminal conditions; people who have been recently released from a psychiatric hospitalisation; people with substance abuse problems.

How to help a suicidal person?

If you spot signs of suicidal behaviour, don’t hesitate to make the person talk. Check whether they feel depressed and how they see the future and life in general. Ask them whether they work with a therapist or take medication. Try to rationalise and intellectualise their situation, saying that every problem has a solution and is treatable and reparable.

If you are currently experiencing difficulties, you need to know that you are not alone. Do not hesitate to contact me on info@angelpsychology.com or on my social networks. I will be glad to chat with you.

Please note that Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Psychodynamic Therapy will help you acquire the knowledge and reflection you need. Learn more about Psychodynamic Therapy here and about CBT here. Don't forget that you can work with me at home. Learn more about online psychotherapy here.

With warm wishes,
Dr Ivanka Ezhova

Founder of Angel Psychological Therapy - Online Psychological Therapy