Suicide Ideation and Prevention

It is natural to feel sad at times, and life may feel overwhelming after trauma or loss. However, suicide is preventable, and people experiencing extreme stress do get better. If you or someone you know is in crisis, you should contact emergency services. But for suicide prevention generally, you can get help from the Long Island Mental Health staff in Miller Place, serving New York through telehealth. These caring professionals can help if you are suffering in silence, so you don’t make a permanent choice for a temporary problem. 

Risk Factors for Suicide

Unfortunately, someone may begin to consider ending their life at any age. According to the CDC, suicide was the 2nd leading cause of death for those between the ages of 10-14 and 25-34. Veterans, non-Hispanic Native Americans, Alaskan Native peoples, and those identifying as lesbian, gay, or bisexual are within particularly high-risk demographics.

There is no one reason why someone may consider self-harm or ending their life. Common factors include depression, anxiety, bullying, grief, trauma, life events like loss of a job, financial hardship, and chronic illness. The emotional support of loved ones and professional intervention for mental health can help someone avoid making this permanent choice. 

Common Signs of Suicidal Ideation

Someone may verbally be blunt about wanting to die. They may also subtly ask about or seek different lethal methods like guns or drugs like sleeping pills or morphine. Therefore, it is a good idea to limit access to weapons, especially guns.

Look out for major personality changes. Does the person isolate themselves even from family and close friends? Do they barely eat, have extreme mood swings, and sleep too much or too little?

Listen to what the person says. A suicidal person may express that they feel like a burden to loved ones or hopelessness. These feelings may develop after a chronic illness, especially when lingering pain is present.

In addition to changes in eating habits, an increased risk of suicide may show in the use of substances. Extreme drinking and drug use may be a way to self-medicate or “escape”. 

Don’t forget the person’s history. Those with a family history of suicide or who have previously attempted to take their life are at increased risk.

When to Seek Professional Help

It is never too early to seek professional help. If you have begun to feel hopeless and that ending your life is the only solution, seek help immediately. 

Contact help for yourself or on behalf of someone showing the above signs. The staff at Long Island Mental Health is here for you so you can find purpose in life again. Call 631-209-7968 for in-person and online care in Miller Place and Long Island, NY.