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Suicidal ideation refers to thinking about or planning suicide. Experiencing suicidal thoughts can be deeply distressing, frightening, and isolating. A person who is in this state may feel helpless and hopeless, as if no one understands their pain or there is no way out. 

While suicidal ideation can be a symptom of another mental health condition, it can also occur in people who do not have a formal diagnosis. Significant stressors, unresolved trauma, and other factors can lead to severe emotional distress, threatening a person’s well-being and, potentially, their life. 

Regardless of how or why someone develops suicidal ideation, they deserve and need compassionate, immediate, and effective support. If you are thinking about hurting yourself in any way, please reach out to someone. You can contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, or you can call 911. Both services are available at any time, day or night. 

For adults and adolescents who reside in southern Wisconsin, Shorewood Behavioral Health, located in Madison, offers comprehensive treatment for suicidal ideation. Our dedicated team provides patient-centered care in a supportive environment, helping individuals overcome hardships and envision a brighter future.  

Understanding Suicidal Ideation

Suicidal ideation is commonly broken down into two categories: active and passive. 

Passive suicidal ideation is when a person is thinking about dying but is not actively planning to end their own life. For example, they might have thoughts like: 

  • “I wish I could just disappear.” 
  • “No one would miss me if I was gone.” 
  • “Things are never going to get better.” 
  • “I want to go to sleep and not wake up.” 

Active suicidal ideation is when someone intends to act on their suicidal thoughts. They may: 

  • Research means or methods to end their life 
  • Make specific plans, such as setting a time or place 
  • Take steps toward carrying out the plan, such as buying materials or writing a note  

It’s important to recognize that these distinctions may not fully capture the complexity of suicidal thoughts or accurately reflect the potential risk for suicide. Passive and active suicidal ideation can occur at the same time, and each person’s experience is different. For example, one individual might have persistent suicidal thoughts with fluctuating levels of intent, while another might have episodic suicidal thoughts with high intent to act during those times, as noted by the National Library of Medicine (NLM). 

Recognizing the Subtle Signs of Suicidal Ideation

Some people who are living with suicidal ideation may appear perfectly fine. They may go to school or work and come home to their families, hiding their pain behind a smile and productivity. However, internally, they could be feeling: 

  • Extremely sad, empty, or hopeless 
  • Worthless, guilty, or ashamed 
  • Trapped, with no escape 
  • Like they’re a burden to others 

Others may show noticeable changes in behavior, like: 

  • Becoming easily irritated or anxious 
  • Acting aggressively or recklessly 
  • Eating or sleeping more or less than usual 
  • Neglecting hygiene or responsibilities 
  • Isolating themselves from friends and loved ones 
  • Using drugs or alcohol 
  • Giving away personal belongings 
  • Making comments like, “Everything feels pointless” or “I don’t want to do this anymore” 

Because a person’s suffering is not always visible, paying attention to these subtle signs is crucial. If you or someone you care about is displaying these warning signs, please reach out to a mental health professional. 

Assessing Risk Factors for Suicidal Ideation

Suicidal thoughts and behaviors can result from a wide range of factors. The National Library of Medicine determined that certain demographics, including older adults, men, and members of the LGBTQ+ community, have higher rates of suicide. Additional risk factors for suicidal ideation include: 

  • Gene variations 
  • Underlying mental health concerns 
  • Childhood trauma, neglect, or abuse 
  • Family history of suicide  
  • Financial hardships 
  • Chronic physical health conditions 
  • Stressful life events 
  • Social isolation 

Identifying and understanding these causes and influences is key to preventing suicidal thoughts from escalating into actions. 

Statistics on Suicidal Thoughts & Behaviors

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health revealed the following statistics on suicidal thoughts and behaviors in the United States:  

  • Suicidal thoughts: About 3.2 million, or 12.3% of, adolescents ages 12-17 and 12.8 million, or 5.0% of, adults reported thoughts of suicide.  
  • Suicide planning: Approximately 1.5 million, or 5.6% of, young people and 3.7 million, or 1.4% of, adults said that they made a suicide plan. 
  • Suicide attempts: Roughly 856,000, or 3.3% of, adolescents and 1.5 million, or 0.6% of, adults attempted suicide. 

The survey also found that, among adults, individuals ages 18-25 had the highest rates in all three categories — thoughts, planning, and attempts. For both adolescents and adults, multiracial individuals were more likely to experience suicidal thoughts than any other demographic group.  

These statistics highlight that suicidal thoughts and behaviors can affect anyone, regardless of age or background. Therefore, it’s crucial to break down barriers to mental healthcare and offer compassionate support for people who are suffering.  

Potential Consequences of Suicidal Ideation

Without proper treatment and support, suicidal ideation can lead to significant consequences, such as: 

  • Worsening of symptoms 
  • Development of another mental health concern or substance use disorder 
  • Inability to perform daily tasks or fulfill responsibilities 
  • Increased loneliness and isolation 
  • Physical health complications 
  • Strained relationships 

Most tragically, if suicidal thoughts are not addressed, they can lead to death by suicide. However, with professional intervention, individuals can discover hope and healing and live long, fulfilling lives. 

Why Seek Support for Suicidal Ideation

When you seek support for suicidal ideation, you can: 

  • Learn how to cope with and manage intense emotions 
  • Address your symptoms and protect yourself from future harm 
  • Receive personalized guidance from a team of qualified professionals 
  • Connect with peers who understand and empathize with your struggles 
  • Engage in research-supported methods designed to help you change negative thought patterns and behaviors and respond to stress in healthier ways 

By taking this first step, you can find short-term relief and build the foundation for long-term growth and well-being. 

Suicidal Ideation Treatment in Madison, Wisconsin

At Shorewood Behavioral Health in Madison, Wisconsin, we provide comprehensive support to help adolescents and adults who are dealing with suicidal ideation. When you receive treatment at our suicidal ideation treatment center, your care plan may include the following: 

  • Basic medical care 
  • Medication management services 
  • Group therapy  
  • Evidence-based practices, such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and motivational interviewing 
  • Art and music therapies 

We also offer electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), a specialized procedure that has proved effective in reducing suicidal ideation, particularly in patients who suffer from depression, according to the National Library of Medicine. 

It’s important to note that ECT may not be suitable for everyone and is typically considered after trying other treatment methods. Our team evaluates each patient’s individual needs and determines the most appropriate course of action. 

Additionally, we’ll work closely with you to determine the combination of therapies and services that will be most beneficial for you on your healing journey.  

How To Find the Right Place To Receive Suicidal Ideation Treatment

When you’re struggling with suicidal ideation, finding the right support is critical. Here are some questions to consider when searching for a treatment center:  

  • What therapies do they offer? 
  • How do they handle crisis situations? 
  • What should I expect during my first few days of treatment? 
  • How does the center address co-occurring mental health or substance use disorders? 
  • What are the qualifications and specialties of the medical and therapeutic staff? 
  • Can my family members visit or be involved in the treatment process? 
  • How does the center support patients in setting and achieving goals? 
  • What are the typical lengths of stay for different levels of care?  
  • Are there specific programs for different age groups? 
  • What can I do if I have any concerns during my stay? 
  • Does the hospital offer any kind of financial assistance? 
  • How long does the admissions process take? 
  • What kind of follow-up care or aftercare services are available? 

Remember that transparency is key, and a reputable treatment center will be happy and willing to address any questions or concerns you may have. If you find that they are giving you vague or unclear answers, it may be a sign to consider other options.  

At Shorewood Behavioral Health, we’re dedicated to providing you with all the details you need so that you can make well-informed decisions about your care. Here, you won’t have to guess about your treatment options or what to expect. Our team will guide you every step of the way, offering unwavering support and encouragement, so that you can navigate the path to healing with confidence. 

This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at Shorewood Behavioral Health.