People with suicidal thoughts should always seek and receive help!

Suicidal thoughts (suicidal ideation), whether they’re fleeting or persistent, are a sign that someone is in deep emotional pain and feeling exhausted.

These thoughts should never be ignored or brushed off because they can quickly escalate into something more dangerous, such as actual suicide attempts.

Why is seeking help essential when you’re having suicidal thoughts?

Here’s why reaching out for support is so important if someone is feeling suicidal:

1. Suicidal thoughts are a serious warning sign: Suicidal thoughts indicate deep psychological pain and distress. They aren’t just fleeting emotions but can reflect an urgent need for support.
   When someone reaches the point of contemplating suicide, it’s often because they feel overwhelmed, trapped, or hopeless. It’s essential to intervene before thoughts become actions.
   Suicidal thoughts can escalate quickly into a plan or attempt. The sooner someone gets help, the better the chances of preventing a tragedy.
2. Depression and suicidal ideation are not “normal” states of mind: Feeling suicidal is not a natural state of being, but a sign that something is seriously wrong.
   Just like a physical emergency requires immediate medical attention, severe depression with suicidal thoughts requires urgent psychological support.
   Ignoring these feelings can cause them to worsen and potentially lead to an actual suicide attempt.
   Interventions can stabilize someone in a crisis and start the recovery process, just as an ER doctor treats someone with a life-threatening injury.
3. People often underestimate the danger of suicidal thoughts: Individuals who are suicidal may not recognize the seriousness of their thoughts.
   They might think, “I’d never actually go through with it,” but when someone is deeply depressed, their judgment can be impaired. Suicidal impulses can come on suddenly. This is particularly true during moments of intense gloom.
   Seeking help ensures that someone else can step in to accurately evaluate the level of risk and provide appropriate care to keep that person safe.
4. Protecting your life: Suicidal ideation implies that a person is struggling to cope with their pain and may feel like there’s no other way to escape it.
   However, suicide is a permanent solution to what is often a temporary problem since bad times typically don’t last forever.
   Seeking help can create a safety net during these tough times and provide strategies to stay safe during a crisis.
5. You don’t have to face hard times alone: Depression can make you feel like you’re completely isolated and that no one can understand what you’re going through.
   But the truth is that some people genuinely care and want to help, whether it’s a trusted friend, family member, therapist, or a crisis hotline.
   Just talking to someone can release some emotional pressure and help you feel less alone.
   
6. Suicidal thoughts are often linked to treatable conditions: Suicidal thoughts are usually a symptom of an underlying condition like major depression or another mental health issue.
   The good news is that these conditions are treatable, but only if you seek help. Therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, or a combination of these can make a huge difference in making you feel better and helping you see other options.
7. Your mindset can change: It’s easy to believe that things will never get better when depression has gotten hold of you.
   But feelings and thoughts are temporary. They can change with time and support. Seeking help is the first step toward that change.
   Many people who’ve had suicidal thoughts in the past go on to live fulfilling lives after getting the support they require.
8. Preventing impulsive actions: One of the main reasons to seek help is that suicidal ideation can sometimes lead to impulsive actions.
   The urge to end their life can come on suddenly for many people, especially during moments of intense distress.
   Having someone to talk to, like a therapist or even a trusted friend, can act as a crucial buffer to prevent a potentially life-ending decision made in the heat of the moment.
   Studies show that most people who survive a suicide attempt often regret the decision afterward. This shows that suicidal thoughts don’t always reflect someone’s true desire to die, but rather reflect a desperate need to escape pain.
   Getting help can provide immediate relief and prevent irreversible decisions.
9. Access to immediate crisis intervention: People who are experiencing severe suicidal ideation typically need more intensive and immediate support than they realize.
   Seeking help can connect them with crisis intervention services that are designed to stabilize individuals in acute distress. This might involve a stay in a mental health facility where they can receive round-the-clock care, medication adjustments, and therapy that helps them get through the worst period.
   Immediate intervention can save lives and provide a safe atmosphere where a person can recover enough to start addressing the underlying issues that are causing their depression.
   
10. Addressing underlying causes of suicidal thoughts: Suicidal thoughts often arise as a symptom of deeper issues like unresolved trauma or physical health conditions like chronic pain or hormonal imbalances.
    These underlying problems might remain hidden and untreated without professional help.
    Seeking help aids in making an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. This typically includes therapy and lifestyle changes that address not just the suicidal thoughts but also the root causes behind them.
11. Creating a safety plan for the future: Clinicians can help develop a safety plan tailored to the individual. This is a structured design that includes coping strategies and practical steps to take when suicidal thoughts surface in the future.
    Having a concrete plan in place provides a sense of control and preparedness, which reduces feelings of helplessness during future crises.
    It also empowers people by giving them tools to rely on in moments of intense despair, which can make the difference between acting on those thoughts or finding a way to get through them.
12. Breaking the isolation: Depression and suicidal thoughts can create a cycle of isolation and make people feel like they’re completely alone in their struggles. Reaching out for help is a way to break this isolation.
    Knowing that someone is listening and cares about their well-being can bring a sense of connection and hope. Just the act of talking to someone about how they’re feeling can already be a huge relief, even if it doesn’t solve the problem right away.
    Isolation feeds suicidal thoughts by making it seem like there’s no one to turn to. Individuals can start to rebuild connections that can anchor them to life once they start reaching out.
    
13. Gaining perspective and hope: People their perspective is often skewed by what’s known as cognitive distortions when in the depths of depression.
    They may see their situation as permanent and unchangeable, even if that’s not truly the case.
    Professionals can offer an outside and objective perspective that can help break through these warped thoughts. Therapy can also provide new insights and coping strategies during tough times.
    Simply talking to someone empathetic and tolerant can help shift a person’s mindset from “there’s no way out” to “maybe things can get better.” It’s not about forcing positivity but about helping the person see that there are alternatives and options that they might not have considered yet.
14. Acknowledging and validating pain: Many people with suicidal ideations feel ashamed of how they’re feeling and sometimes even come to believe that no one will take their pain seriously.
    Seeking help can be an incredibly validating experience when they realize that their pain is real and deserves support. Authorities are trained to listen without judgment and to validate those feelings. This frequently provides comfort and relieves some of the burden.
15. Encouraging self-compassion and healing: One of the most transformative aspects of seeking help is that it can lead to greater self-compassion.
    Those struggling with suicidal thoughts frequently blame themselves for feeling this way and think they’re “weak” or “broken.”
    Therapy and support can help them understand that depression and suicidal thoughts are not their fault, but rather that they’re symptoms of a treatable condition.
    This shift in mindset can encourage healing and self-care.
    
16. Acknowledging the impact on loved ones: Though it may be hard to see when you’re in the depths of despair, your life matters to others. The truth is that family members and friends would be deeply affected by your loss.
    Seeking help can be motivated by the realization that even if you don’t feel it, others do care about you.
    Support networks can help you reconnect with those bonds by serving as a lifeline when you’re struggling.
17. Providing a path toward recovery: Seeking help is the first and most important step toward recovery because you admit you have a problem and are searching for the knowledge to resolve that issue.
    While it might not always seem like it, countless people have gone through severe depression and suicidal thoughts only to find hope and happiness on the other side. Seeking help is about giving yourself the chance to get there, too.
    When I was suffering from severe depression, I thought that things would never get better, and every day was a living hell. But your life can get better once more if you decide to take ownership of your life and actively work to improve your existence.
18. Professional support can alleviate emotional burdens: People suffering from suicidal ideations are often overpowered by feelings of hopelessness and guilt.
    Reaching out for help can reduce some of this emotional burden by allowing them to express their feelings in a sheltered space. Support systems may validate their pain while also providing hope and solutions.
19. Early intervention prevents worsening of symptoms: Suicidal thoughts are often a symptom of untreated or poorly managed mental health conditions.
    Individuals can prevent their depression from getting worse and reduce the risk of these thoughts escalating into action by receiving help early.
    With timely intervention, it’s possible to address not just the suicidal ideation but also the root causes.
    The sooner someone receives help, the more effective the treatment can be in preventing long-term struggles with psychological difficulties.
20. Suicidal thoughts can be a cry for help: Sometimes, suicidal thoughts are not about wanting to die but rather a desperate plea for relief from overwhelming emotional pain.
    Reaching out to your loved ones is the best way to find that relief in healthier ways than attempting to end one’s life.
    
21. Preventing self-medicating behaviors: Many people struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts may turn to alcohol or drugs as a way to numb their pain.
    This self-medication is dangerous, as it can quickly lead to addiction and even more severe mental health issues.
    Substance abuse can also raise the risk of a suicide attempt by increasing impulsivity.
22. Gaining access to medication and medical treatments: Suicidal ideations can be linked to biochemical imbalances that require medical treatment.
    For example, someone might have a hormonal imbalance or a condition like bipolar disorder that needs medication to stabilize mood.
    Without treatment, these conditions can worsen and make suicidal thoughts more frequent and intense.
23. Preventing long-term consequences: Even if someone’s suicidal thoughts don’t result in an attempt, they can still have serious long-term consequences if left untreated.
    Chronic suicidal ideation can damage one’s sense of self-worth and ability to function in daily life.
    It can lead to a persistent state of despair that makes it harder to recover, even if the individual doesn’t act on those thoughts.
24. Teaching resilience and coping skills: One of the key benefits of seeking help is that it provides the individual with tools and strategies to manage future challenges.
    Pros can teach techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and stress management techniques that empower individuals to cope with depressive episodes and suicidal thoughts in the future.
    
25. Giving yourself a chance to discover joy again: It’s hard to imagine feeling happy or content again when you’re severely depressed.
    However, countless people who have experienced suicidal thoughts have found that they can rediscover joy and purpose with the right help. Seeking assistance gives you a chance to experience better days in the future.
    Life can get better once again, but you need to be here to see it happen. Looking for aid is the first step toward that brighter future.

What kind of help to seek?

People suffering from suicidal thoughts or tendencies should ALWAYS receive immediate help, in my opinion. The danger is much too high to waste any more time.

Here are some ways to reach out for help if you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts:

• Call a crisis hotline: You can call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 in the United States. Many other countries have similar hotlines.
• Reach out to a therapist or counselor: Mental health professionals are trained to help you navigate these intense feelings and get you back on your feet.
  I would always consult an expert when you’re having suicidal thoughts simply because the threat of doing something risky and permanent is so high.
  It’s in no way, shape, or form an embarrassment to seek the assistance of others when you’re in trouble. It’s even a sign of strength that you’re willing to admit something is wrong and require aid to resolve that issue.
• Go to the nearest emergency room: Don’t hesitate to seek emergency medical attention if you or someone else is in immediate danger.
  Time is precious and vital in these kinds of situations.
• Talk to someone you trust: Even if it’s hard to say it out loud, letting someone know how you’re feeling can be a huge relief, almost like a weight fell off your shoulders.
  A trusted friend or family member can help you take the next steps on the road toward recovery.
  

What if you’re unsure about seeking help?

It’s common for people to hesitate to seek help because they’re worried about being judged, don’t want to “burden” others, or aren’t sure if their feelings are “serious” enough.

That’s no surprise to me since we’re social beings who want to be liked and respected by those around us.

But here’s the thing. If you’re having suicidal thoughts, it’s always serious. You deserve support just as much as anyone else.

And if you’re worried about reaching out, keep in mind that mental health professionals are specifically trained to handle these situations with compassion and without judgment. They can provide a safe space where you can express yourself without fear and get the help you require.

Final note

The most important thing to remember is that you don’t have to face this huge challenge alone and that there are people out there who want to help you through this difficult time.

Your feelings may tell you that things will never get better, but that’s just the depression talking. There’s typically much we can do to live a satisfactory life once again. With the right support, things can and do get better.

ALWAYS seek help if you or someone else is having suicidal ideations. Your life matters more than you know, even if it’s hard to see right now.