If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or use their chat function online at 988lifeline.org for crisis support.

It may be difficult to talk about suicide, but it is also important to talk about it openly to others. It does not only help us understand and learn more about the subject; it also helps us learn ways to support someone who may be experiencing suicidal tendencies.

Oftentimes, many people may believe that when something is not spoken about, it won’t occur or “give people ideas.” However, when we don’t speak about it, nor use the correct terminology, we leave a vulnerable population of individuals fending for themselves. Suicidal ideation is already something that is stressful and difficult to navigate alone; now imagine having to also navigate explaining to others what is going on, experience judgment or harmful comments, and seek help all at the same time. Therefore, finding time to learn more about it will not only educate us about the matter, it will educate us on how to be open to the conversation and look out for warning signs.

Suicidal ideation is not something to be taken lightly. Even when someone mentions having “only thoughts” about suicide, we do not know how much of a risk they may be to themselves or sometimes to others. Not all of us can assess and provide crisis support, but we can provide resources and emotional support by helping the individual seek appropriate services.

Below I will share with you a breakdown of ways suicidal ideation can present itself, warning signs, and how to support a loved one (and sometimes a stranger) when they express suicidal ideation. I want to emphasize that if you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or use their chat function online at 988lifeline.org for crisis support.

First, I want to explain the definition of suicide and suicidal ideation. These words can be used interchangeably, but it is important to know the difference before we continue further. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, suicide is defined as “death caused by self-directed injurious behavior with intent to die as a result of the behavior,” and suicidal ideation is defined as “thinking about, considering, or planning suicide.” In other words, suicide is the result of ongoing suicidal ideation that may have escalated from passive to active suicidal ideation.

Individuals experience suicidal ideation in different ways. As I mentioned previously, it can be passive, where there is no specific plan or intent to act on the desire to die. Passive suicidal ideation lingers around thoughts about dying and may look like “I wish I would go to sleep and never wake up,” “I wish I was dead,” or “I am a burden to others, they would be better if I wasn’t alive.” Whereas, active suicidal ideation includes thoughts that involve a specific plan and intent to carry out the suicide. This also includes having access to weapons or objects they may utilize to carry on with the suicide.

Having open conversations about suicide is important—the more we know, the better we can support. Below is a list of warning signs that can help us intervene. It can be all or only a few that could present.

• Feeling worthless
• Isolating from others and feeling alone
• Sleeping too much
• Extreme sadness
• No hope for the future/hopelessness
• Self-harm/cutting
• Frequently talking about death
• History of suicidal behavior
• Feeling like a burden
• Engaging in risky behaviors (impulsiveness, recklessness, alcohol and drug use)
• Aggressive behavior or irritability

Additional suicidal behaviors below are a psychiatric emergency—this is when seeking help must be made immediately

• Procuring lethal means*
• Giving away possessions*
• Saying goodbye to friends and family*
• Tying up loose ends*
• Collecting and saving pills*

Ask Questions: Be as direct as possible and ask “are you planning to kill yourself?” It can be difficult to ask and say the word “kill,” but it is best to be direct and know if they are in need of immediate support. If we simply ask someone if they are planning to hurt or harm themselves, we are failing to address the main point and it can also have different interpretations to the word “kill.”

Keep them Safe: Reducing access to lethal items or places. Examples can include storing sharp objects, pills, knives—anything they can use as a weapon by locking or hiding them from the individual experiencing suicidal ideation. Another thing is not leaving them alone (if possible).

Be there for them: Listen carefully and acknowledge their feelings. Allow them to feel safe and comfortable to speak about what is going on without judgment or unreasonable questions.

Help them connect: Be open to helping them seek professional help, provide them resources and/or be there to support them when calling a hotline. You can also help them connect with others (therapist, priest, friends, loved ones, etc.).

Stay in touch: Follow up and stay in touch with the individual. Let them know that you are present and they have access to you if needed. Access to you can be via phone call, text message, personal visits, etc. Conversations can vary; you can invite them on outings or ask if you can also visit them.

• Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – 24/7 support: Call or Text “Hello” to 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to chat, find more information and resources.
• 24/7 Crisis Text Line – 24/7 support: Text “hello” to 741741 or visit crisistextline.org for more information or resources.
• The Trevor Project (for LGBTQ+) – 24/7 support: Call 1-866-488-7386 or text “Start” to 678678, or visit their website thetrevorproject.org to chat with a professional, find more information and resources.

Taking the first step can be daunting, but we’re here to support you. Contact KCW Psychological Services to schedule an appointment or learn more about how we can help you navigate life stressors.

Visit our website kcwpsychologicalservices.com today to learn more or to schedule an appointment. Let us provide the safe, supportive space you need to heal and thrive.

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