It’s heartbreaking to witness a loved one struggling with thoughts of suicide. The feeling of helplessness can be overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure of how to provide support. Recently, two individuals have reached out to me for advice on this topic. While there are many ways to assist a person who is fixated on suicide, the most crucial step is to seek professional help for them. Below, I outline how to access the necessary help and what kind of support may be beneficial for a loved one grappling with suicidal thoughts.
Understanding a Loved One’s Obsession with Suicide
An obsession with suicide can stem from various underlying causes. While it may indicate severe depression or a desire to end one’s life, it can also result from obsessive thought patterns centered around suicide. For some individuals, suicidal ideation emerges as a symptom of depression, leading them to believe that the world would be better off without them. This distorted perception can fuel persistent thoughts of suicide.
On the other hand, some people experience intrusive and recurring thoughts of suicide without the intent to act on them. These thoughts may surface unexpectedly and without any prompting, creating a distressing mental state. Obsessive thinking patterns are commonly observed in individuals with bipolar disorder but can occur in others as well.
Regardless of the root cause, it is essential to recognize that your loved one needs professional help to address their obsession with suicide.
Prioritizing Safety for Your Loved One
When assisting a loved one fixated on suicide, the primary concern should always be ensuring their safety and preventing any immediate harm. While it’s natural to want to act as a personal barrier to their suicidal impulses by staying close and removing potentially lethal items, individuals truly fixated on suicide may require more intensive intervention.
In cases where the risk of self-harm is imminent, considering inpatient treatment becomes crucial. While this decision may be daunting, it could be a vital step in keeping your loved one safe. Seeking help from healthcare professionals and considering inpatient care, if necessary, demonstrates your commitment to your loved one’s well-being.
Getting Professional Assistance for Your Loved One
Professional help is indispensable when dealing with a loved one obsessed with suicide. Their condition is complex and demands specialized care that you alone cannot provide. If your loved one is not already receiving mental health treatment, it is imperative to discuss this with their primary care physician promptly.
For individuals already undergoing mental health care but struggling with obsessive thoughts of suicide, it’s crucial to communicate the severity of the situation to their healthcare provider. Attending appointments with your loved one and advocating for their needs can help ensure that the treatment plan addresses their current struggles effectively.
If inpatient treatment is deemed necessary, advocating for an extended stay beyond the typical 72-hour period may be crucial for your loved one’s stability and safety. Collaborating with healthcare providers to explore alternative therapies such as lithium, ketamine, or electroconvulsive therapy can also be beneficial in addressing suicidal ideation.
Additionally, psychotherapeutic interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy or dialectical behavior therapy have shown to reduce suicidal ideation and improve outcomes for those struggling with suicidal thoughts. While antidepressants may not be the primary solution for individuals fixated on suicide, other treatment modalities can offer promising results.
Remember, seeking professional help is the most effective way to support a loved one obsessed with suicide and ensure their safety and well-being.
