Suicidal Thoughts

Suicide risk factors

The reasons behind suicide and suicidal thoughts vary, but there are certain factors that may put you at higher risk, including:

• A history of previous suicide attempts
• Being part of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) community and experiencing hostility and/or discrimination
• Experiencing continuous stress or a specific stressful event, such as the passing of a loved one, a breakup or losing one’s job
• Feeling worthless, isolated, hopeless or agitated
• Having a drug or alcohol abuse problem
• Having a family history of mental health conditions, drug or alcohol use, suicide, violence or abuse
• Having a history of physical, sexual or emotional abuse
• Having a mental health condition, such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder
• Having a terminal illness, chronic illness or chronic pain
• Having access to firearms

In addition to the risk factors above, children and adolescents may be at higher risk if they are:

• Being bullied
• Experiencing a conflict with family members or friends
• Questioning their sexual orientation or gender identity

Warning signs of suicide

People who are considering suicide may:

• Be preoccupied with violence or death
• Begin abusing alcohol or drugs
• Experience changes in sleeping or eating patterns
• Experience mood swings marked by intense “highs” and “lows”
• Experience personality changes or become severely agitated or anxious
• Feel hopeless or trapped
• Give away their belongings for no specific reason
• Participate in self-destructive or dangerous activities, like driving recklessly
• Say goodbye to loved ones as if they won’t see them again
• Start purchasing items that could be used to end their life, including weapons or large quantities of medications
• Talk or write about suicide or death
• Withdraw from social contact with loved ones or ask to be left alone

While these are common, some people who are having suicidal thoughts will not show any outward signs.

Suicide prevention

To prevent suicidal thoughts, it’s best to seek out support before things reach a crisis point. If you are struggling with your mental health, it is best to make an appointment with a behavioral health specialist to talk about your concerns and receive treatment.

Your care plan may include:

• Psychotherapy, which involves speaking to a mental health professional
• Medications, including antipsychotic drugs, antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs to treat any underlying mental health conditions
• Treatment and support for drug or alcohol addiction

When to seek emergency care

If you have a plan to end your life, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. You should go to the emergency room that is closest to you or call 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Personalized mental health support at LVHN

If you are experiencing mental health concerns, LVHN’s behavioral health specialists are here to provide you care and support. Our experienced team takes an individualized approach to each person’s care, and we will focus on your diagnosis, symptoms and treatment history to develop a treatment plan specific to you.

We offer outpatient care at various locations (with options for both in-person and virtual appointments), inpatient behavioral health services and partial hospitalization programs (which allow you to receive daily, in-person mental health support in a clinical setting but return home afterward).