What are the most effective psychological therapies for dealing with suicidal thoughts? How can you help people who find themselves in this delicate situation? Find out.
Suicide is a sensitive topic in the field of psychology and mental health. Although it is a taboo within society, it is a serious and devastating phenomenon. When a person hasthoughts related to suicide, means that he or she urgently needs help . Therefore, therapy with a professional psychologist can make a difference in alleviating these feelings of hopelessness and negativity.
How common are suicidal thoughts?
People who suffer from psychological disorders, such as bipolar disorder,depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as those who abuse substances, are more likely to have suicidal thoughts and be at risk for suicide .
That is, it is more common for people who have suicidal ideation to suffer from a mental health disorder . However, people who do not suffer from psychological disorders can also suffer from them. Additionally, men are often more likely to end their lives than women.
What are the most common causes of suicidal thoughts?
Suicidal thoughts often have their origins in another condition. That is, they are usually a symptom of a mental health problem that can be treated. Also, one of the most common reasons is an underlying medical condition that may or may not have been diagnosed. Finally, they can also be linked to drug and alcohol abuse since their consumption can lead to suicidal thoughts.
Psychotherapy to Treat Suicidal Thoughts
Anyone who is going through a difficult time in their life can benefit from psychotherapy. If someone is experiencing suicidal thoughts, it is essential that they receive psychological treatment. Some of the therapies that are effective in treating suicidal ideation are the following:
- Cognitive therapy: thecognitive behavioral therapyfocused on suicide prevention is a type of treatment that has shown very positive results in reducing suicidal thoughts and repeated suicide attempts. It is also very effective in reducing symptoms of depression and increasing feelings of hope. This therapy focuses primarily on reducing risk factors for suicide and helping the person learn coping skills that allow them to deal with hopeless thoughts and negativity.
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy: For a person who suffers from suicidal thoughts, this therapy allows them to reduce them. In fact, when someone suffers from them chronically, it can be a habit, so they can recur frequently. That said, this therapy can help the person detach themselves from these thoughts, considering that they are a symptom of the condition they suffer from.
- Suicide Assessment and Management: This is a specific intervention for suicidal ideation that helps you understand why you are having these thoughts. This allows you to identify and treat suicidal impulses and develop a stabilization plan.
- Neurotherapy: This is an approach used for people who suffer from depression, substance abuse, anxiety or other mental health disorders. These therapies are based on neurostimulation that helps balance the neuronal process of the brain. Therefore, they reduce the symptoms associated with these disorders.
- Yoga, meditation, exercise, and good habits: While these are not a true intervention to reduce suicidal thoughts, there is a lot of research that supports the benefits they can have in addressing the symptoms of various psychological disorders. Even so, they should be used as complementary elements to therapy.
It is important that if you see any warning signs, go or seek help fromcontact a mental health professional. In fact, suicidal thoughts are not a problem that can be dealt with independently . You can always rely on emergency lines or talk to a loved one you trust. When faced with these overwhelming feelings, you are not alone and should always ask for help.