{"id":25545,"date":"2014-09-24T12:30:34","date_gmt":"2014-09-24T19:30:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/?p=25545"},"modified":"2026-02-13T20:49:27","modified_gmt":"2026-02-14T01:49:27","slug":"suicide-prevention-how-to-help-someone-with-suicidal-thoughts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodtherapy.org\/blog\/suicide-prevention-how-to-help-someone-with-suicidal-thoughts","title":{"rendered":"Suicide Prevention: How to Help Someone with Suicidal Thoughts"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"RearWhen it was revealed that actor\/comedian Robin Williams took his own life in early August 2014, millions of people were in shock. For Williams’ family<\/a>, friends, and fans alike, the news was devastating, but perhaps one of the most startling realizations about the incident\u2014despite Williams regularly appearing in front of people worldwide for nearly four decades\u2014was that no one saw it coming.<\/p>\n

The subject of suicide<\/a> is often portrayed as taboo<\/a>, making it an extremely difficult topic for many to discuss. But people of all ages, genders<\/a>, sexual orientations<\/a>, ethnicities, socioeconomic statuses, and physical capabilities are at risk for suicide. Suicide affects both the strong and the weak. It can touch anyone.<\/p>\n

As family members, friends, and confidants, we have a responsibility to assist the people we care about. September is recognized as National Suicide Prevention Month, which presents an opportunity to learn as much as we can about this sensitive, yet urgent, issue. How can we discern if someone we love is having suicidal thoughts, and how can we take preventative action?<\/p>\n

Where Do Suicidal Thoughts Come From?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

For people who have never seriously contemplated ending their own lives, it is challenging to understand the mind-set of an individual with suicidal ideation. As the 10th-leading cause of death in the United States according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), however, understanding where suicidal thoughts come from is necessary if we want to help individuals contemplating suicide.<\/p>\n

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Find a Therapist<\/a><\/h2>\n\t
\n\n\t\t\t\n\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\tAdvanced Search<\/a>\n\t<\/form>\n<\/div>Dr. Kelly Baez, a therapist who worked for several years as a crisis intervention counselor for suicidal and homicidal children and adolescents, explains, “[Suicidal ideation] is the ultimate in lack of perception, gratitude<\/a>, and hope<\/a>. Someone who is suicidal has developed a sort of tunnel vision\u2014it is impossible for them to imagine that their life could ever improve.”<\/p>\n

People who are suicidal often do not know how to obtain help. While prolonged suffering is typical in suicide-related cases, it is important to remember that suicidal persons are not always merely trying to escape pain. Most genuinely believe that there is no good reason to continue living and that the world will be a better place without them.<\/p>\n

Identifying Common Risk Factors for Suicide<\/strong><\/h2>\n

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), 90% of people who die by suicide are experiencing a mental health issue<\/a> at the time of their deaths. Depression<\/a> is one of the most common factors attached to suicidal ideation, but people who experience bipolar<\/a> tendencies or other mood-altering conditions are also at higher risk. Psychosis<\/a>, excessive alcohol consumption, and the use of mind-altering drugs are other factors which can increase impulsivity and heighten the risk of suicide.<\/p>\n

The highest rates of suicide occur among adults between the ages of 45 and 64, followed closely by adults 85 and older. Children, too, can become suicidal; one in 65,000 children ages 10-14 dies by suicide each year in the U.S. Issues such as the death of a parent, divorce<\/a>, bullying<\/a>, sexual abuse<\/a>, or social exclusion can increase the likelihood of suicide among preteens. The main concern in these cases is that parents and teachers often believe that young children will not attempt suicide.<\/p>\n

Regarding the possibility of pre-adolescent suicide, Baez said, “I have seen children as young as six who attempt suicide\u2014usually in an ineffective way at that age. However, the intent is there, and that’s what matters. That’s what we have to address.”<\/p>\n

The Importance of Therapy in Suicide Prevention<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Therapy is one of the best tools for suicide prevention. Mental health professionals usually approach the situation in one of two ways: by targeting the conditions underlying a person’s suicidal thoughts (depression, for example), or by targeting a person’s suicidal ideations directly.<\/p>\n

Two prominent types of therapy for suicide prevention are dialectical behavior therapy<\/a> (DBT) and cognitive behavioral therapy<\/a> (CBT). Dialectical behavior therapy helps individuals make lifestyle changes that minimize suicidal thoughts and helps people maintain control over emotions<\/a>. Cognitive behavioral therapy, meanwhile, teaches suicide prevention skills and encourages the application of learned skills even if the individual is in an activated state of suicidal ideation.<\/p>\n

Suicide Prevention Strategies You Can Use<\/strong><\/h2>\n

If a family member or friend expresses suicidal thoughts, do not ignore them. They might desperately need your help. Here are a few tactful steps you can take to help a loved one at risk for suicide:<\/p>\n