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If you’ve been diagnosed with a mental health issue such as bipolar disorder or depression, you know that your condition affects your outlook on life. There are also undiagnosed disorders that may lead to thoughts of suicide. Known as suicidal ideation, thinking about your own death is a sign of mood unbalances. If you’ve caught yourself contemplating suicide, here’s a guide to what this means and how to seek help.

An Overview of Suicidal Ideation

What Are the Symptoms?

If you are experiencing suicidal ideation, you think about committing suicide. This thought might come in two manners—passive or active. If you’re experiencing passive ideation, you may want to die, but haven’t made plans to carry it out. The active form occurs when you intend to follow through and have spent time thinking about ways to do it. 

What Causes It?

suicideIn most cases, suicidal ideation is a symptom of a mental health disorder, such as addiction, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or bipolar disorder. The thought of suicide might be your way of imagining an escape from your current mental state. However, some people encounter thoughts of suicide after a major life change or realization, such as the loss of a relationship, job, or physical ability.

When Should I Seek Help?

If you catch yourself thinking about suicide, it’s important to seek help to prevent actions you may regret later. In the short term, call a friend or suicide hotline to discuss your feelings and help you feel less isolated. To find long-term solutions, seek mental health care and counseling. A professional will help you identify triggers or stressors in your life that are causing the issue, as well as develop healthy coping mechanisms to reduce these feelings.

 

If you’re looking for a mental health care provider who will help you overcome negative thought patterns, get in touch with Alleghany Highlands Community Services of Covington, VA. They have been working since 1983 to provide reliable counseling and suicide intervention services to the community. If you’re thinking about harming yourself, call their 24-hour suicide prevention hotline at 1-800-446-0128. For more information on their services, visit their website or call (540) 965-2100 before 5 p.m.

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