Suicidal thoughts are a serious concern and can affect anyone at any point in their life. When someone is experiencing such thoughts, it’s essential to have a plan for intervention, support, and care. If you or someone you know is suicidal, it is crucial to know what steps a therapist will take to ensure safety and provide the necessary help.
This article will explore what therapists do when a person is suicidal, the steps they take to assess the situation, the techniques they use to manage crises, and how they provide long-term support. We will also discuss how the role of therapy fits into broader mental health care, and why seeking help from a mental health professional is crucial when dealing with thoughts of suicide.
Understanding Suicidal Thoughts and the Importance of Therapy
Suicidal thoughts or ideation can vary greatly from one person to another. Some may experience fleeting thoughts, while others may have a well-formed plan. Understanding the severity of suicidal thoughts is critical because it helps guide the immediate actions a therapist will take.
It’s important to note that suicidal thoughts are often a sign of underlying mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or bipolar disorder. In many cases, suicidal thoughts stem from feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and despair. A therapist’s role is to assess these feelings and help the individual find a way to cope and rebuild their mental health.
Therapists are trained professionals who are equipped with tools and techniques to help people navigate the complex emotions surrounding suicidal ideation. They also have the ability to assess the immediate risk and determine the best course of action for each situation.
What Does a Therapist Do When a Person Is Suicidal?
If someone expresses suicidal thoughts to a therapist, the therapist will go through several stages to ensure their safety and begin the process of recovery. The specific steps may vary depending on the therapist’s approach, the severity of the crisis, and the environment in which therapy is taking place, but generally, they follow a standardized protocol for crisis intervention.
1. Initial Assessment of Risk
The first step a therapist will take is to assess the immediate risk of suicide. The goal of this assessment is to determine how likely it is that the person will act on their suicidal thoughts. The therapist will ask a series of questions designed to gauge the severity of the situation, including:
Frequency and Duration of Thoughts: The therapist will want to know how often the person has been thinking about suicide, and whether those thoughts are fleeting or persistent.
Planning: One of the most important questions is whether the individual has a specific plan for suicide. The presence of a clear plan significantly increases the risk and requires immediate intervention.
Means and Access: A therapist will also ask if the person has access to the means to carry out the plan (such as weapons, medication, or other tools). Having access to the means increases the likelihood of suicide.
Past Attempts: If the person has previously attempted suicide, this increases the risk of future attempts. The therapist will want to know about any past suicidal behavior.
Reasons for Suicide: Understanding why the person is experiencing these thoughts is critical. The therapist may ask questions about the person’s emotional state, recent life events, or any feelings of hopelessness that are contributing to the thoughts.
2. Ensuring Immediate Safety
Once the therapist has gathered information and determined the level of risk, the next step is to ensure the person’s immediate safety. If the therapist determines that there is an immediate risk of harm, they will take immediate action, which may include:
Creating a Safety Plan: A safety plan is a tool designed to reduce the risk of harm by identifying specific steps the individual can take when they feel suicidal. This can include things like calling a trusted friend or family member, engaging in self-soothing activities, or reaching out to a crisis hotline.
Involuntary Commitment: If the therapist believes the individual is in immediate danger of harming themselves and is unable or unwilling to keep themselves safe, they may recommend involuntary hospitalization. This involves the person being admitted to a psychiatric facility for observation and care. While this may feel like a drastic step, it is sometimes necessary to protect the person’s safety until they are stable enough to engage in ongoing therapy.
Involving Family or Friends: If appropriate, the therapist may involve trusted family members or friends to help provide support and keep the person safe. This can include staying with the person, offering emotional support, or helping with practical arrangements, such as getting them to a hospital.
3. Therapeutic Intervention and Support
Once immediate safety is ensured, the therapist will begin providing therapeutic intervention. Therapy for suicidal individuals typically focuses on addressing the underlying emotional distress and providing tools for coping. Some of the most commonly used therapeutic approaches include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is one of the most effective therapies for individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts. This therapy focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns that contribute to feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and despair. By challenging distorted thinking, CBT helps individuals gain a more realistic and balanced perspective on their situation.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): DBT is particularly effective for individuals who experience intense emotional swings, such as those with borderline personality disorder or chronic suicidal ideation. DBT emphasizes emotional regulation, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness to help individuals manage their emotions and build healthier coping strategies.
Problem-Solving Therapy: Sometimes suicidal thoughts are linked to overwhelming life problems. Problem-solving therapy helps individuals break down these problems into manageable steps and focus on finding practical solutions to improve their situation.
Psychodynamic Therapy: For some individuals, suicidal thoughts are linked to unresolved past traumas or deep-seated emotional issues. Psychodynamic therapy focuses on exploring these underlying issues and helping individuals gain insight into their emotions and behaviors.
Therapists may also work with clients to identify strengths and resources they can draw on, including support networks, hobbies, or activities that bring meaning and joy to their lives.
4. Creating a Long-Term Plan for Recovery
In addition to immediate crisis intervention, therapists will work with individuals to create a long-term plan for managing their mental health. This plan often involves a combination of ongoing therapy, medication (if necessary), and self-care strategies.
Ongoing Therapy: After the initial crisis has been addressed, ongoing therapy is crucial for managing long-term mental health. Depending on the individual’s needs, therapy may be weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. The therapist will continue to provide support and help the individual develop healthier coping mechanisms to prevent future suicidal thoughts.
Medication: In some cases, therapy alone may not be enough to manage severe mental health issues. If the therapist suspects that the individual is struggling with a mental health disorder such as depression or anxiety, they may refer them to a psychiatrist for evaluation and medication. Antidepressants or other medications may help alleviate some of the symptoms that contribute to suicidal thoughts.
Building a Support System: Therapists will also work with the individual to strengthen their support system. This may involve helping the person connect with family and friends, join a support group, or access other community resources. Having a strong network of support is one of the best ways to prevent future crises.
5. When to Seek Emergency Help
While therapy plays a crucial role in managing suicidal ideation, there are times when emergency help is necessary. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger of suicide, it is essential to seek help right away. A therapist may guide you through contacting emergency services or a suicide prevention hotline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Emergency help may involve:
Calling 911 or Emergency Services: If there is an imminent threat to someone’s life, contacting emergency services is critical. Trained professionals can intervene quickly and get the individual to a safe environment.
Crisis Intervention Teams: Many communities have crisis intervention teams that specialize in responding to mental health crises. These teams are made up of mental health professionals and law enforcement officers who can provide immediate help in a safe and supportive way.
Suicide Prevention Hotlines: Suicide prevention hotlines provide immediate emotional support to individuals in crisis. These hotlines can help connect individuals to resources and provide the guidance needed to stay safe.
6. The Role of Therapy in Preventing Future Suicide Attempts
Therapists play a crucial role in reducing the risk of future suicide attempts. In addition to providing immediate crisis intervention, therapists help individuals build the emotional resilience and coping skills needed to handle life’s challenges. They work to:
Foster Hope and Resilience: One of the main goals of therapy is to help individuals regain hope for the future. By exploring new ways to approach life and build resilience, therapists help individuals move past their feelings of hopelessness.
Develop Coping Strategies: Therapists work with individuals to develop a wide range of coping strategies, such as mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and healthy social interactions. These tools help individuals manage stress and emotional pain without resorting to self-harm.
Strengthen Social Connections: Building and maintaining healthy relationships is crucial for mental health. Therapists help individuals develop stronger social connections and encourage them to reach out for support when needed.
Conclusion
When someone is suicidal, it is essential to take immediate action to ensure their safety. Therapists are trained professionals who play a pivotal role in crisis intervention and long-term recovery. Through a combination of crisis management, therapeutic techniques, and ongoing support, therapists can help individuals manage their suicidal thoughts and develop healthier ways of coping with emotional pain.
While the process of managing suicidal ideation can be difficult, it is important to remember that help is available. Therapists are there to listen, provide guidance, and offer support. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, do not hesitate to reach out for help. Whether through therapy, medication, or crisis intervention, there is always a path forward toward healing and recovery.
Related topics:
How to Control Mental Disorders
How to Tell If Someone Needs Mental Help
