Raising suicidal ideation with T

Jan 24, 2020 at 07:33 PM

Do I just blurt it out. Hey I feel suicidal?

I have a complex about seeking attention and feel telling people this is classic attention seeking. However I also feel this is something a therapist should legitimately know. That I feel suicidal. To the extent I think I want to be dead in one year and write notes. I don't want to reach another 5 years that's all I am vaguely sure about.

So how do I raise this?

Jan 24, 2020 at 07:57 PM

Yes you should just be honest. It's how you feel. Who can you call to talk about your feelings with? Or, is there a counseling center you can go to? Does the UK have a suicide hotline you can call?

nottrustin · Jan 24, 2020 at 08:49 PM

This is also something I struggle with. Could you mention you struggle with bringing up the subject and ask her if she would ask her about any thoughts regularly or whenever you seem appropriate? Would it help you? For me if I am asked I am honest but really struggle to bring the subject myself.

NP_Complete · Jan 24, 2020 at 09:41 PM

It's definitely appropriate to talk with your therapist about this. I understand your fears because I have them too, but I've found that my therapist doesn't view it as attention seeking when I bring it up. Doesn't stop me from being afraid he's suddenly going to start thinking that way, but he never has. If you're uncomfortable just blurting it out, would you be more comfortable writing it down and giving it to them to read at the start of your session? I've found writing things down can be a lot easier than saying them out loud and my therapist always appreciates when I bring in something.

Fuzzybear · Jan 24, 2020 at 09:41 PM

I agree with the post above. I have also struggled immensely to bring that issue up. Writing things down has sometimes been helpful to me.

Misterpain · Jan 25, 2020 at 12:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StreetcarBlanche

Yes you should just be honest. It's how you feel. Who can you call to talk about your feelings with? Or, is there a counseling center you can go to? Does the UK have a suicide hotline you can call?

I believe they have "The Samaritans" based in UK .

Rive. · Jan 26, 2020 at 05:58 AM

Quote:

Do I just blurt it out. Hey I feel suicidal?

Why not?

As you say, it is important for them to know so it does not really matter how the message comes out, as long as it does come out. Any T worth their salt would explore that.

sarahsweets · Jan 26, 2020 at 06:40 AM

Some info I found:

Quote:

Sucidal thoughts are common, and many people experience them when they are undergoing stress or experiencing depression. In most cases, these are temporary and can be treated, but in some cases, they place the individual at risk for attempting or completing suicide.

Most people who experience suicidal ideation do not carry it through, although some may make suicide attempts.

Anyone who has suicidal thoughts should ask for help. If a loved one is having these thoughts, measures should be taken to help and protect them.

See the last section of this article for information on how to get help for someone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Fast facts about suicide ideation
Most people who have suicidal thoughts do not carry them through to their conclusion.
Causes of suicidal thoughts can include depression, anxiety, eating disorders such as anorexia, and substance abuse.
People with a family history of mental illness are more likely to have suicidal thoughts.
The confidential National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached toll-free on 1-800-273-TALK(8255), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Symptoms
Talking to someone about suicidal thoughts can help in finding a solution.
A person who is experiencing or could experience suicidal thoughts may show the following signs or symptoms:

feeling or appearing to feel trapped or hopeless
feeling intolerable emotional pain
having or appearing to have an abnormal preoccupation with violence, dying, or death
having mood swings, either happy or sad
talking about revenge, guilt, or shame
being agitated, or in a heightened state of anxiety
experiencing changes in personality, routine, or sleeping patterns
consuming drugs or more alcohol than usual, or starting drinking when they had not previously done so
engaging in risky behavior, such as driving carelessly or taking drugs
getting their affairs in order and giving things away
getting hold of a gun, medications, or substances that could end a life
experiencing depression, panic attacks, impaired concentration
increased isolation
talking about being a burden to others
psychomotor agitation, such as pacing around a room, wringing one's hands, and removing items of clothing and putting them back on
saying goodbye to others as if it were the last time
seeming to be unable to experience pleasurable emotions from normally pleasurable life events such as eating, exercise, social interaction, or sex
severe remorse and self criticism
talking about suicide or dying, expressing regret about being alive or ever having been born
A significant number of people with suicidal ideation keep their thoughts and feelings a secret and show no signs that anything is wrong.

Causes
Suicidal ideation can occur when a person feels they are no longer able to cope with an overwhelming situation. This could stem from financial problems, death of a loved on, a broken relationship, or a devastating or debilitating illness.

The most common situations or life events that might cause suicidal thoughts are grief, sexual abuse, financial problems, remorse, rejection, a relationship breakup, and unemployment.

The following risk factors may have an impact on the probability of someone experiencing suicidal ideation:

a family history of mental health issues
a family history of substance abuse
a family history of violence
a family history of suicide
a feeling of hopelessness
a feeling of seclusion or loneliness
being gay with no family or home support
being in trouble with the law
being under the influence of alcohol or drugs
for children, having disciplinary, social or school problems
having a problem with substance abuse
having a psychiatric disorder or mental illness
having attempted suicide before
being prone to reckless or impulsive behavior
possessing a gun
sleep deprivation
knowing, identifying, or being associated with someone who has committed suicide
Conditions that are linked to a higher risk of suicidal ideation include:

adjustment disorder
anorexia nervosa
bipolar disorder
body dysmorphic disorder
borderline personality disorder
dissociative identity disorder
gender dysphoria, or gender identity disorder
major depressive disorder
panic disorder
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
schizophrenia
social anxiety disorder
generalized anxiety disorder
substance abuse
exposure to suicidal behavior in others
Genetic factors may increase the risk of suicidal ideation. Individuals with suicidal thoughts tend to have a family history of suicide or suicidal thoughts.

Prevention
Family and friends may notice through a person's speech or behavior that they could be at risk.

They can help by talking to the person and by seeking appropriate support, for example, from a doctor.

The National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH) suggests the following tips for helping someone who may be going through a crisis:

Asking them if they are thinking about suicide. Studies show that asking does not increase the risk.
Keeping them safe by staying around and removing means of committing suicide, such as knives, where possible
Listening to them and being there for them
Encouraging them to call a helpline or contacting someone the individual might turn to for support, for example, a friend, family member, or spiritual mentor
Following up with them after the crisis has passed, as this appears to reduce the risk of a recurrence
Other tips include keeping some emergency phone numbers at hand, for example, a trusted friend, a helpline, and the person's doctor.

Suicide prevention
If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:
Call 911 or the local emergency number.
Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
Remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects.
Listen to the person without judgment.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-273-8255.
Treatment
Suicide ideation can be a symptom of a mental health problem, such as depression or bipolar disorder.

A significant number of mental health problems, including depression, can be successfully treated or managed with medications and talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or counseling.

It is important to seek treatment if you or a loved one is experiencing mental health problems.

Once treatment starts, it is important to follow the treatment plan, attending follow-up appointments, taking medications as instructed, and so on.

Reducing the risk
The following may help lower the risk of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts:

getting family support, for example, talking to them about how you feel and asking them to meet your health provider and possibly attend sessions with you
avoiding alcohol and illegal drugs
avoiding isolation and staying connected to the outside world, as much as possible
doing exercise
eating a well-balanced, healthful diet
getting at least 7-8 hours continuous sleep in every 24-hour period
removing any guns, knives, and dangerous drugs, for example, by giving them to a trusted friend to take care of
seeking out things that give you pleasure, such as being with friends or family you like, and focusing on the good things you have
attending a self-help or support group, where you can discuss issues with people who understand, get help from others, and help people with similar problems to get through their difficulties
seeking and following treatment
Remember that many people experience suicidal thoughts at some time, and many of them find a solution, for example, by sharing their problem with someone.

It does not mean that there is anything wrong with you. Even if you feel alone in a place and afraid to share what you are going through, a confidential hotline may help.

Resources
If you or a loved one are having thoughts of suicide, it is important to get help.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Available for a confidential chat 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Toll-free: 1-800-273-TALK(8255).

Befrienders Worldwide: Contact numbers and support information for your country in different countries and different languages.

Childhelp: National Child Abuse Hotline for the U.S. Call 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453). All calls are anonymous and confidential.

Veterans crisis line: Confidential support for veterans or those who are concerned about a veteran.

Call: 1-800-273-8255 and press 1
Text 838255
These services offer confidential help.

Statistics
In the U.S., suicide was the tenth leading cause of death in 2015, responsible for over 44,000 fatalities.

It was the third leading cause of death among those aged 10 to 14 years, and the second cause in those aged 15 and 34 years.

The number of suicides in 2015 was double the number of homicides.

Males are more likely to take their own lives than females.

Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15 to 24 year-olds. Twenty per cent of all suicides are among this age group.

LonesomeTonight · Jan 26, 2020 at 09:06 AM

I don't feel it's attention seeking and doubt your T would see it that way. I've shared ideation with my T, though I struggled doing so the first time (I think I shared in an email, then we discussed later). I'll typically describe it as "fleeting suicidal thoughts." He said at one point that everyone has a thought like that at one time or another. It helped me to just be able to discuss it. If you're worried about hospitalization, from what I've read and my T has told me, that's more if you have the feelings, an actual plan, the means to carry out the plan, and intent to carry it out (now, not a year from now). So I'd try talking about it. If you think you'd have trouble saying it out loud, type or write it and either email it to him (if he allows that) or hand it to him at the start of session.

Jan 26, 2020 at 12:14 PM

Thanks everyone this is really reassuring. I struggle to raise minor things with my T let alone this stuff. But i think I am going to make it a priority for next session. The concept of attention seeking is so embedded in me that i feel like raising anything is attention seeking.

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Anonymous48672 Guest Posts: n/a	Jan 24, 2020 at 07:57 PM #2 Yes you should just be honest. It's how you feel. Who can you call to talk about your feelings with? Or, is there a counseling center you can go to? Does the UK have a suicide hotline you can call?
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nottrustin Grand Magnate Member Since Jan 2014 Location: n/a Posts: 4,819 10 375 hugs given	Jan 24, 2020 at 08:49 PM #3 This is also something I struggle with. Could you mention you struggle with bringing up the subject and ask her if she would ask her about any thoughts regularly or whenever you seem appropriate? Would it help you? For me if I am asked I am honest but really struggle to bring the subject myself. __________________
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Fuzzybear Wisest Elder Ever Member Since Nov 2002 Location: Cave. Posts: 96,325 (SuperPoster!) 21 81.2k hugs given	Jan 24, 2020 at 09:41 PM #5 I agree with the post above. I have also struggled immensely to bring that issue up. Writing things down has sometimes been helpful to me. __________________
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Anonymous46912 Guest Posts: n/a	Jan 26, 2020 at 12:14 PM #10 Thanks everyone this is really reassuring. I struggle to raise minor things with my T let alone this stuff. But i think I am going to make it a priority for next session. The concept of attention seeking is so embedded in me that i feel like raising anything is attention seeking.
	Reply With Quote