Do you sometimes feel so hopeless, lonely, and helpless about life? Have you ever thought, "I'd just give up on all this and die"? Don't be afraid to think that way. You're not the only one in this world who feels that way. This is a topic that many people experience but are afraid to talk about. Today we're talking about suicidal thoughts, or what is medically known as ``Suicidal Ideation''.
What exactly are these suicidal thoughts?
Simply put, this means repeatedly thinking about, planning for, or dwelling on death or taking your own life. These thoughts can be experienced differently by each person.
Imagine, some people might think, "I wish I hadn't woken up in the morning" when they go to sleep. Others might think about what would happen if they saw a speeding car and thought about jumping into it. Sometimes these thoughts are normal and come and go, and sometimes they can be powerful and disturbing thoughts that control your entire day.
The important thing is that having a thought like this and acting on it are two different things. But if you ignore these thoughts, they can affect your mental health and push you to make dangerous decisions. That's why it's so important to talk about this.
Are there different types of these thoughts?
Yes, these thoughts can be divided into two main types. Understanding the difference between the two is very important for you and those close to you.
| Type of thoughts | What does that mean? |
|---|---|
| Passive Suicidal Ideation | This is when thoughts like "I wish I were dead" or "I wish I were gone" come to mind, but there is no plan to make them happen. These are just depressing thoughts that come to mind. These are also serious, but they are not as immediate a threat as the next type. |
| Active Suicidal Ideation | This is the most dangerous stage . Here, along with suicidal thoughts, people start making plans about how to do it (e.g., finding the things they need, choosing a time, writing a suicide note). Giving away things they love to others, and talking as if they are saying goodbye to everyone are some of the signs that can be seen at this stage. This is a situation that requires urgent medical attention. |
How does a doctor diagnose this condition?
When you tell a doctor that you are having this kind of problem, he will talk to you very kindly and try to understand what is going on in your mind. During this, you may be asked a few questions. There is no specific `test` for this, but these questions will help to gauge the seriousness of your thoughts.
For example, you can ask questions like these:
- "Have you ever thought that it would be better if you were dead, or if you had never woken up from your sleep?"
- "Have you ever thought about taking your own life?"
- "Have you made any plans to do that?"
- "Did you take any steps to implement that plan? (e.g., buying a weapon, giving valuables to others, writing a letter)"
At times like this, it's important to answer as honestly as possible . The doctor is there to help you, not to judge you. Your honesty is what opens the door to the right treatment.
What are the main reasons for these thoughts?
It is difficult to pinpoint a single cause for this. Sometimes it can be a combination of many causes. Here are some common risk factors that affect many people in our country:
- Mental health problems: Conditions such as long-term depression, anxiety, or other mental illnesses (psychosis) are the main causes.
- Stress: Stress caused by things like work problems, exams (especially O/L, A/L), financial difficulties, and debt.
- Problems in personal relationships: Things like breakups, family disputes, death of a loved one.
- Traumatic events in life: things like facing a serious accident, being abused, etc.
- Loneliness and social isolation: Feeling like no one understands you.
- Drug and alcohol use: These alter brain chemistry and lead to the temptation to make rash decisions.
- Genetic influence: If someone in the family has a history of this, there may be some risk.
What are the treatments for this?
Fortunately, there are many good treatments for this condition. The most important thing is to keep yourself safe. Depending on the severity of your condition, your doctor may recommend one or more of these treatments.1. Counseling and behavioral therapy: Treatments, especially Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), help you identify your negative thought patterns, manage them, and learn how to cope with life's challenges.
2. Medication: If there is an underlying mental illness such as depression, medication can be a great help in controlling these thoughts. These should be used only under medical advice .
3. A Safety Plan: You and your doctor will work together to create a plan for what to do if these thoughts come back. This plan will include things like a phone number to call and something you can do to calm your mind.
4. Hospitalization: If the condition is very serious, meaning there are active ideations, you may be given a short-term inpatient treatment in the hospital to protect yourself.
If you are caring for someone like this, keep sharp weapons, ropes, poisonous objects, or non-prescribed medications out of their reach. This is not to take their belongings, but to keep them safe until they are completely safe.
If this is bothering me right now, what can I do?
It's hard to fight these thoughts alone. If you need help right now, try these things:
- Talk to someone you trust: It could be your best friend, your mother, your father, a sibling, a teacher. Talk about what's on your mind. It doesn't have to be about suicide. It can also be a great relief to have someone to listen to you.
- Ask for help: There are specialized telephone services in Sri Lanka for this. You can call the National Mental Health Helpline at 1926 or CCCline at 1333. They are trained to listen to you.
- In an emergency: If you are having thoughts that are too strong to control yourself, go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- Distract yourself: Do something you enjoy (or used to enjoy). Watch a movie, listen to music, read a book, play with a pet, or go for a short walk.
- Stay away from alcohol and drugs completely: These can impair your judgment and cause you to make dangerous decisions.
Take-Home Message
- Suicidal thoughts are not your fault or a weakness . They are a medical condition that requires treatment.
- You are never alone. There are many others like you who are facing this problem. The most important thing is to ask for help .
- Talking to someone you trust can be a first step. Next, definitely see a doctor .
- In an emergency, don't be afraid to call 1926 or go to the ETU at the nearest hospital.
- With the right treatment and support, you can definitely control these thoughts and live a happy and healthy life.
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