ihor-malytskyi-423718-unsplash.jpg

suicidal thoughts

ideation, contemplation, plan, Attempts, Survivors

If you are currently experiencing suicidal thoughts and require immediate assistance you may want to contact a crisis line:

You Are Not Alone—Support for Suicidal Thoughts

Suicide is a heartbreaking reality and remains one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Because of common stigmas and misunderstandings around suicide and mental health, many people suffer in silence, and the true numbers are likely even higher than reported.

If you’ve found your way to this page—whether by accident, out of curiosity, or because you or someone you love is struggling—we want you to know that you are not alone, and help is available.

Understanding Suicidal Thoughts and Experiences

Suicidal thoughts (also known as suicidal ideation) can take many forms. Sometimes, they can be fleeting thoughts like wishing you could go to sleep and not wake up, or more persistent feelings that life is too painful to continue. For some, these thoughts come and go; for others, they may stick around for a longer time.

  • Suicidal Ideation refers to thinking about wanting to die, or imagining ending your life.

  • Having a Plan is when someone begins to think about how they might hurt themselves.

  • Suicide Attempt is when someone acts on these thoughts or plans, sometimes leading to hospitalization.

  • Suicide Attempt Survivor describes someone who has survived a suicide attempt.

  • Survivor of Suicide Loss is someone who has lost a loved one to suicide.

Struggling with any of these experiences can feel isolating, overwhelming, and frightening—but you are not alone, and there is hope for healing.

How Therapy Can Help

Many people who experience suicidal thoughts are not wishing for death itself, but for an end to emotional pain or circumstances that feel unbearable. Together, we can:

  • Explore and address the underlying pain or trauma

  • Develop practical coping strategies and safety plans

  • Build a network of support

  • Identify potential benefits of medication or referral to prescribers, if needed

  • Rediscover meaning, hope, and resilience

  • Work towards healing in a compassionate, judgment-free space

Reaching out for help can feel daunting, especially if you’ve felt alone with your thoughts for a long time. Our blog post, [We Laugh to Survive], offers a personal look at what it might feel like to ask for—and receive—support. You’re welcome to read more there.

A Note About Safety

Your safety is our top priority. Part of our commitment includes creating effective safety plans together. If there ever comes a time where we are unable to identify a safe plan or if you are at imminent risk to yourself or others, we may need to arrange for hospitalization to ensure your safety and wellbeing.

Crisis Resources

If you’re in immediate distress or need someone to talk to right now, please reach out to any of the following, 24/7:

You matter. Healing is possible.

Counselors you might want to check out….