Suicide thought is when you consider killing yourself. The thoughts may or may not contain a plan to commit suicide.

2 Types of Suicide Ideation

A. Active

When you not only have suicidal thoughts but actively intend to commit suicide, including planning how to do so.

B. Passive

When you wish you were dead or that you could die but do not make a plan to die by suicide and have no serious intention of harming yourself.

Suicidal Statistics

Suicide is the tenth largest cause of mortality in the United States, as well as the second leading cause of death among people aged 10 to 34.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is on the rise in the United States, with half of the states reporting more than a 30% increase since 1999 and virtually all of the remainder reporting increased rates since then.

It is estimated that 94 individuals die by suicide in the United States every day, and that suicide is attempted every 38 seconds.

· Women are roughly three times more likely to attempt suicide. It shows higher rates of suicidal thinking, non-fatal suicidal behavior, and suicide attempts.

Women are more likely to overdose on medications or drugs.

· Men are two to four times more likely to die by suicide The explanation for these findings is believed to be due to the fact that males are more likely to act on initial impulses to attempt suicide

Men tend to choose violent (more lethal) suicide methods, such as firearms, hanging, and asphyxiation,

· LGBTQ suicidal thoughts and rates are substantially greater among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and non-binary people, according to research. Lesbian, homosexual, and bisexual youth are three times more likely than heterosexual teenagers to consider suicide and seven times more likely to attempt suicide.

2 types of Suicidal Risk

1. Acute Risk

Suicide risk in the future varies from low to moderate to high. It will be decided by a number of elements, such as significant stresses, plans, intensity, specific plans, and the duration of your suicidal thoughts.

2. Chronic Risk

Continuous threat of suicide in the foreseeable future. A persistent suicide risk generally involves a specific plan to self-harm, indicators of lack of self-control, and the desire to commit suicide.

Signs and Symptoms

Behavioral:

- Mood Swings

- Self- harm or Threats of harming itself

- Drug and Alcohol Abuse

- Verbally or writing about death

- Isolation

- Stopping oneself to do the activities that were once enjoyed

Physical

- Panic Attacks

- Insomnia

- Loss or gain weight

- Inability to do personal hygiene

Cognitive

- Memory impairment

- Inability to focus on certain things

- Intrusive thoughts about dying

Psychosocial

- Feeling of hopelessness and emptiness

- Depression

- Severe anxiety

Causes

Suicidal ideation can be caused by a variety of factors, such as you have the impression that you are confronting a tough or impossible task.There is no hope for the future.You can't think of a solution or a way out of your current circumstance or you using any prescription or OTC medications?

5 MOst Common Risk factors:

Have a history of Suicide

Poor support from family and friends

Experiencing the loss of someone important or love

Education Pressure

Victim of bullying

Treatmens

The right treatment plan for you depends on things like:

- the severity of your suicidal thoughts

- number of times you thought about committing suicide and how long you thought about it

- the precision of how you do it and how extreme it is

Psychotherapy, or talk therapy

Therapists can help you explore why you're feeling suicidal and how to cope. They can also help you treat an underlying mental health condition or substance abuse problem that might trigger suicidal ideation.

Medications

If your doctor or therapist suggests it, it may take a few trials to discover the proper drug and dosage for you.

Note: Do not discontinue any medicine without first consulting your doctor.

Family therapy and education

Can help them better comprehend what you're going through, identify the warning signals, and enhance family interactions.

Lifestyle changes

Among these include stress management, better sleep, eating, and exercise habits, developing a strong support network, and finding time for hobbies and interests.

Hospital care

If you have frequent suicidal thoughts that last a long time or contain a plan to commit suicide, your team may consider this.

How to reduce suicidal thoughts?

o Know what triggers it that leads to the feeling of severe depression or despair. You can talk to someone, such as a counselor or close friend

o Always remember that feelings are not permanent. Treatment can help people cope with life stresses and gain a new perspective, even when life seems hopeless.

o Improve your well-being by eating nutritious meals on a regular basis and never skipping a meal, and getting enough rest and relaxation to relieve stress and help your body recover from the day before.

o Surround yourself with positive people that make you feel good about yourself and don’t forget giving and helping others may be a terrific way to get out of your own mind and find purpose.

o Find new activities that provide a sense of purpose to feel better about yourself and less likely to resurface. This will help to reduce feelings of despair.

How to offer support

Simple actions can help someone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts or recovering from an attempt to take their own life. It is important to know when to seek professional support and when to step back to look after yourself. Asking someone if they're suicidal can protect them, as it gives them permission to tell you how they feel and lets them know that they are not a burden. If someone does let you know that they are having suicidal thoughts, take them seriously and offer support and encourage them to talk about how they're feeling.

Ask and listen

Support and always be there

Make them feel safe and secure

Develop a safety plan to connect

Always do a follow up

References:

www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/ptsd/what-is-ptsd

www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/txessentials/telemental_health.asp

www.jewishfamilyservice.org/blog/5-benefits-of-using-teletherapy-for-mental-health-counseling