Find Therapy for Suicidal Thoughts

Suicidal thoughts, also known as suicidal ideation, are thoughts about ending your own life. These thoughts can range from vague feelings of not wanting to exist to more specific plans or desires to die. Some people have fleeting suicidal thoughts during stressful times, while others experience them chronically.

Suicidal ideation is not a character flaw or a failure—it's often a symptom of profound emotional pain, trauma, or mental health challenges. And it can happen to anyone, regardless of background, age, or success level.

Experiencing suicidal thoughts is a sign that something deep inside you is hurting—not that you actually want to die. That pain deserves attention, not judgment.

Understanding the difference between passive and active suicidal ideation helps clarify the level of risk and need for immediate support.

• Passive suicidal thoughts involve a wish to disappear, stop existing, or not wake up—but without a concrete plan or intention to end your life. Examples include, “I wish I could go to sleep and never wake up.”
• Active suicidal thoughts involve thinking about methods, making a plan, or feeling ready to act on suicidal urges.

Both types are serious and deserve compassionate support. You don’t need to reach a crisis point to seek help. A suicidal ideation therapist can help you explore your feelings safely and without judgment.

Not necessarily. In many cases, suicidal thoughts are less about wanting to die and more about wanting the pain to stop. You may feel trapped, hopeless, or exhausted by emotional distress, and suicide may seem like the only option left.

But there are always other options—even if you can't see them right now.

Therapists trained in therapy for suicidal thoughts can help you:

• Understand the root of your pain
• Learn how to cope without self-harm
• Rebuild connection to meaning, hope, and support

Wanting relief is not the same as wanting death. A suicidal ideation therapist can help you find that relief safely.

If you are currently struggling, know that there are things you can do right now to reduce the intensity of suicidal thoughts and keep yourself safe:

1. Tell someone you trust: A friend, family member, therapist, or crisis line can offer immediate emotional support.
2. Create a safety plan: Write down warning signs, coping strategies, emergency contacts, and reasons to stay alive.
3. Limit access to means: Remove or secure anything that could be used for self-harm.
4. Practice grounding techniques: Focus on the present moment using your senses—name 5 things you see, 4 you feel, 3 you hear, etc.
5. Use crisis resources: Call or text a suicide prevention line (in the U.S., dial 988), or use online chat services.

Remember, suicidal thoughts can pass. With the right support, you can survive this moment and find your way forward. Coping with suicidal thoughts starts with not facing them alone.

Yes—therapy and, in some cases, medication can significantly reduce or eliminate suicidal ideation. Evidence-based treatments not only help address symptoms but also target the underlying emotional pain driving them.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Suicidal Ideation

CBT for suicidal ideation helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns, build problem-solving skills, and increase emotional regulation. It’s one of the most studied and effective treatments for reducing suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for Suicidal Ideation

DBT for suicidal ideation was specifically developed to help people with chronic suicidal thoughts and self-harming behaviors. It focuses on:

• Building distress tolerance
• Regulating emotions
• Improving interpersonal effectiveness
• Cultivating mindfulness and self-compassion

Many individuals who’ve tried everything else find DBT life-changing.

Medication

If suicidal thoughts are linked to conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety, medication may help reduce symptoms enough to regain clarity and hope. These may include:

• SSRIs (e.g., sertraline, fluoxetine)
• Mood stabilizers
• Atypical antipsychotics

A psychiatrist or suicide prevention therapist can determine the best approach for your needs.

If someone opens up to you about suicidal thoughts, it can be frightening—but your support can make all the difference. Here’s how to respond:

1. Stay calm and present.

Your job isn’t to fix the problem. Just being there—fully listening—is incredibly powerful.

2. Take them seriously.

Even if they say “it’s not that bad,” always err on the side of caution. Don't dismiss it as attention-seeking or drama.

3. Ask direct questions.

It’s okay to ask, “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” This will not put the idea in their head—it may actually provide relief and open the door to deeper conversation.

4. Help them find support.

Encourage them to talk to a therapist for suicidal thoughts, call a crisis line, or go to a hospital if needed. Offer to sit with them or help them make the call.

5. Don’t promise secrecy.

If you believe they’re at immediate risk, it’s okay to involve professionals or trusted adults, even if they ask you not to. Safety comes first.

If you come across someone in the middle of a suicide attempt:

• Call emergency services immediately (911 in the U.S.)
• Ensure your safety first—especially if weapons or dangerous substances are involved.
• Stay calm and speak gently—avoid yelling or panic.
• Let them know they’re not alone and that help is on the way.
• Don’t argue or lecture—this moment is about survival, not resolution.

After the crisis, both you and the person may need support. Encourage them to connect with a suicide prevention therapist, and consider seeking counseling for suicidal thoughts yourself to process the experience.

No. This is a common myth. Research consistently shows that asking someone directly about suicide does not increase risk—in fact, it often reduces it.

Asking someone, “Are you thinking about suicide?” demonstrates care and opens a door for honest conversation. It may be the first time someone feels safe enough to speak the truth.

No. While mental health conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and anxiety can increase suicide risk, anyone can experience suicidal thoughts. They may also be triggered by:

• Grief and loss
• Chronic pain or illness
• Financial stress
• Relationship issues
• Life transitions or identity crises
• Social isolation

Mental illness is just one factor. The bottom line: suicidal thoughts signal deep distress—not weakness or instability.

No. When someone talks about suicide, they are asking for help. It takes courage to speak those thoughts aloud, and they should always be taken seriously.

Labeling someone as “attention-seeking” dismisses their pain and increases the risk of silence, isolation, and harm. Instead, respond with empathy, listen without judgment, and help connect them to a suicidal ideation therapist.