If You Are Having Suicidal Thoughts, Call or Text 9-8-8 Right Now
To get immediate help from the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, dial or text 9-8-8. You can also get help via live chat at 988lifeline.org.
The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers. These centers provide free and confidential support to those in a suicidal crisis or who are experiencing emotional distress. Services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States.
Again, for immediate help, call or text 9-8-8.
You Might Feel Isolated, But You Are Not Alone
When you are struggling with difficult and scary emotions, it can feel as though you are all alone—even though you are not. You might be feeling as though no one can understand what you are going through—and that therefore no one can help. You might feel as though even your closest friends and family members cannot truly understand how dark things have become for you. You might start to feel as though harming yourself is the only option that makes sense. It can be devilishly hard to break out of this thought pattern when everything feels so overwhelming and hopeless.
When you are in the grips of those terrible feelings, it might seem as though it is impossible to think clearly about the situation. But here are some important facts to remember:Â
- Many, many people experience suicidal thoughts at one point or another in their lives. Keeping that in mind when you are struggling can be helpful because it reminds you that you are not, in fact, alone. If others have survived these feelings, you can, too.
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviors may arise due a range of underlying conditions. Determining what those conditions are in your case is a good first step toward healing. You need to give yourself the time needed to identify potential sources of your feelings so that you can address them in positive, helpful ways.
- Help is available and effective. Peak View Behavioral Health can help you identify why you are feeling the way you are—and can provide personalized, compassionate, holistic, intensive treatment to help you move past suicidal thoughts.
A Look at the Potential Underlying Causes of Suicidal Thoughts
As we have noted above, suicidal thoughts may arise due to a number of different issues or situations. Addressing those causes and situations is an excellent step toward leaving suicidal thoughts behind. Those causes and risk factors may include:
- Mental health disorders—particularly mood disorders like depression
- Severe anxiety and/or panic attacks
- Exhibiting impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies
- Chronic or major illness
- Chronic insomnia
- Recent job and/or financial loss
- Recent loss of a relationship
- Family history of suicide
Other potential underlying causes, risk factors, and indicators of potential suicide include:
- A history of previous suicide attempts
- Access to lethal means of self-harm
- Lack of social support and/or a sense of isolation
- Lack of health care, especially mental health treatment
- Local clusters of suicide or exposure (in real life or digitally) to others who have died by suicide
- Fear of the stigmas associated with asking for help
- Cultural and religious beliefs that may suggest suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma
What Should You Look For If You Are Worried About a Love One?
Maybe you are not experiencing suicidal thoughts yourself, but are instead worried about someone close to you. It is important to take any signs or symptoms of suicidal behavior extremely seriously. If you believe someone is at imminent risk of harming themselves, you can call or text 9-8-8 for assistance. Here are some behaviors to watch for:
- Threatening to kill or harm themselves
- Engaging in risky behavior
- Talking (or writing) about death, feeling trapped, or having no purpose
- Attempting to access drugs/medications, weapons, or other means of suicide
- Exhibiting revenge-seeking behavior
- Withdrawing from family, friends, school, work, or other important relationships
Peak View Behavioral Health Can Help
No one should have to face down a mental health disorder all on their own. Whether the issue you are struggling with is one of the various forms of depression, an anxiety or panic disorder, a disorder centered in trauma, suicidal ideation, or another mental health challenge, Peak View Behavioral Health can help. Located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Peak View Behavioral Health is committed to helping you renew balance and embrace hope in your life.
We offer personalized mental health treatment because we know no two individuals have identical needs. Our approach is grounded in evidence-based practices, expertise, experience, and empathy. We can help you improve your mental health—and help you maintain those improvements over time.
Remember: Call or Text 9-8-8 If You Need Help Now
Live chat: 988lifeline.org
