Suicidal Thoughts Treatment
It may feel like the only solution – all the world’s problems being resolved in one fell swoop. Finances, relationships, career issues – the thoughts come in waves, relentlessly suggesting that ending it all is the only way out.
Suicidal ideation is serious, even if your loved one doesn’t feel like they will act on their thoughts. Arizonians also understand – a recent survey of 777 Maricopa County residents reported high risk factors of suicide, with 52% experiencing a depressed mood, 35% living with a current mental health concern, and 32% disclosing a plan to die by suicide.
At MIND 24-7, we understand the need for urgent, life-saving mental health care for all ages: children, teens, adults, and senior citizens. We provide same-day care for individuals experiencing suicidal ideation because we understand the urgency. From crisis to stability, our ongoing support is built for long-term success.
What We Treat: Suicidal Ideation and Mental Health Conditions
Suicidal ideation is not as simple as “thinking of ending life”; it is far more rooted in feelings of overwhelming stress, hopelessness, and fear. The weight of these emotions becomes so much that the thought of suicide feels like the only solution to them. This is not always the case, as many experience thoughts of suicide with no plan to follow through, known as passive suicidal ideation. Common experiences are saying phrases such as “I wish I could go to sleep and never wake up” or “I don’t want to die, but I don’t want to continue living.”
Active suicidal ideation is where thoughts occur, and the person has a plan formed. They may mention certain methods, such as taking pills or having a gun close by for when they are ready. Both active and passive suicidal ideation are serious and need to be addressed as quickly as possible.
At MIND 24-7, our compassionate team is here for support and care for suicidal thoughts and underlying mental health conditions. Our walk-in facilities are open 24/7, every day of the year, with no appointment necessary. The goal is to provide a faster, more focused alternative to the emergency room – providing the right care, right now, to all who walk through our doors.
How We Treat: Urgency and Prompt Care Provided at MIND 24-7
When it comes to experiencing suicidal thoughts, it is crucial to know where you can turn for not just urgent care, but a quality facility that will actually help. Standard medical emergency rooms aren’t usually equipped to properly treat mental health emergencies, and that’s why MIND 24-7 is an excellent choice.
Our first priority is to welcome you or your loved one into a safe environment and begin getting to know what is going on. This gives our team a baseline of where to start and what each individual needs at this exact moment.
Therapists, medical professionals, and mental health support staff will all be available during the initial stabilization process. Our team will provide support and medications as needed and advise you and your loved ones on the next steps in the treatment process. At MIND 24-7, we address the concerns of all ages, including children, teens, adults, and senior citizens, providing tailored paths leading to mental health wellness and bright futures.
What Suicidal Ideation Really Means: A Compassionate Look Inside the Mind
Suicidal ideation consists of having thoughts of harming yourself or planning a way of harm with the end goal of resulting in death. Often referred to as “having thoughts of suicide,” the terminology is commonly misunderstood and met with fear. Someone experiencing suicidal ideation may not want to follow through on their thoughts, but the idea of continuing with life feels impossible to the point that suicide feels like relief.
Addressing suicidal ideation needs to be done in a compassionate and safe space in a timely manner. This is why we offer urgent and crisis care at MIND 24-7, treating the person with respect and empathy before their thoughts become too much.
Unraveling the “Why”: Common Causes Behind Suicidal Thoughts
Finding an exact “why” behind suicidal ideation is nearly impossible, as it often stems from various factors. The most common include environmental, psychological, and social. Let’s break this down:
- Psychological: Conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and personality disorders can all cause thoughts of suicide, especially when left untreated. Chronic feelings of hopelessness can further exacerbate these thoughts.
- Environmental: Experiencing hardships in the environment, such as abuse, financial strain, community violence, loss of a loved one, and family dysfunction, can all increase the risk of thoughts of suicide, especially in younger populations. These situations also increase stress, which can also hinder job and school performance, furthering negative thoughts on life.
- Social: Lacking social relationships leads to isolation and withdrawal from friends and family. They feel like they have no one to turn to during times of stress or when they are hurting, which increases suicidal ideation.
Any one or combination of these factors puts strain on the person’s mental well-being. The problems they are facing are overwhelming, and they view suicide as their way of resolving all of their concerns.
Recognizing the Red Flags: Signs Someone May Be Considering Suicide
Knowing the signs of suicide is crucial in early intervention. While every person is different, there are certain red flags to watch for:
- Talking about and glorifying death or expressing the desire to die
- Withdrawing from loved ones, social activities, and responsibilities
- Giving away prized possessions or making final arrangements
- Risk-taking behavior such as spending money, having unsafe sex, self-harm, or reckless driving
- Expressing feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or shame
These signs may be subtle at first or be obvious right away. One key note is seeing a drastic upturn in mood after a long, depressive episode. Though they may seem to be doing better, there is a possibility that they are prepared to die by suicide.
Your loved one may already have a date or time planned for suicide. At this stage, mental health intervention is dire. Seeking a mental health crisis center like MIND 24-7 provides a safe and secure facility, much more equipped than a standard emergency room. This ensures your loved one receives the proper care needed in a prompt manner.
When and How to Seek Help for Suicidal Thoughts
If you or someone you love is having thoughts of suicide, there are options to get the help needed. Even if it seems like the thoughts are not that bad or the person wouldn’t act on them, it doesn’t hurt to talk to someone trustworthy.
If it is a loved one you are worried about, begin with a simple conversation. Express your concerns for them, and if you have noticed different behaviors that are worrisome. Listen and provide support for them so they feel safe in discussing their feelings.
If the situation is more urgent, seeking professional help will be more necessary. MIND 24-7 specializes in addressing and treating suicidal thoughts in the moment, followed by continued mental health care after stabilization.
Taking the First Step: What to Expect When Getting Help for Yourself or a Loved One
When getting help for suicidal ideation and mental health, the first thing to expect is a conversation. Your loved one will meet with medical staff and a licensed mental health professional to discuss what led them to this moment. They will ask about past physical and mental health concerns while also determining a treatment path that is right for their needs.
Mental health varies from person to person, and no two treatment paths are exactly the same. The care team looking after your loved one will provide medications as needed and suggest a therapy schedule that fits their goals and needs. At MIND 24-7, we make sure every individual has all the tools needed after their initial visit to continue with healing.
Getting Urgent Care and Ongoing Treatment for Suicidal Thoughts at Mind 24-7
Admitting to experiencing suicidal thoughts is incredibly difficult and often invokes shame and guilt, especially when your loved one opens up about their emotions. However, keeping that pain inside can lead to even greater danger and mental anguish. Suicidal ideation is a mental health emergency, and it can affect anyone of any age. At MIND 24-7, we provide urgent mental health crisis care as we understand no one should face these thoughts alone.
Proudly serving the Mesa and Phoenix, AZ areas, MIND 24-7 is here for all primary mental health needs. Whether you’re loved one is experiencing a crisis or seeking support for what comes next, we’re ready to help with accessible care and a genuinely compassionate team. Call 1-844-646-3247 to get started, or walk in and see us anytime.
Walk in. Get help. Feel better today.