The topic of suicide remains challenging to address, and many may prefer to avoid discussing it altogether. It's understandable—taking the time to consider and talk about suicide can be difficult and bring about intense emotions.
However, understanding what someone might be experiencing and recognizing the help they may need could be instrumental in saving a life. This post aims to provide information that encourages support and empowers those struggling with mental health to seek assistance.
Addressing Common Myths about Suicide
One common misconception is that asking someone if they’re having thoughts of suicide could encourage those thoughts. Research, however, shows that asking someone—even someone not currently experiencing suicidal thoughts—about suicide does not lead to suicidal ideation. Often, if a person isn’t experiencing these thoughts, they will simply respond with a denial, which opens a conversation and reassures them that someone is genuinely concerned.
If, however, they are having thoughts of suicide, asking the question can create a space where they feel seen and may open up about their experiences. For anyone who learns that a loved one is experiencing such thoughts and doesn’t feel equipped to help fully, there are many resources available to offer guidance, which are listed below.
Another common belief is that there is a specific profile or "type" of person who might attempt suicide. This is not necessarily the case. Mental health issues, including suicidal thoughts, can affect anyone—regardless of age, race, social status, or any other demographic factors.
As part of many clinical approaches, there is a recognition that suffering is relative. Each person’s experiences and emotional realities are unique. Even those who appear to have everything in order may be enduring pain or distress that feels unmanageable to them. This makes it important to check in not only on loved ones but also on oneself. If friends or family members are doing well, a check-in is harmless. But if they aren’t, taking the time to connect could make a significant difference.
Signs to Look Out For
Though distress can affect anyone at any age and for various reasons, here are some common signs that someone may be struggling:
Withdrawal: When experiencing depression or emotional difficulty, individuals often withdraw from social activities or things they once enjoyed. Social connections and activities can be crucial for resilience, and observing withdrawal can be an indicator to check-in.
Appearance and Health Changes: Visible signs, such as changes in appearance or hygiene, can signal distress. A person may put less effort into their appearance, exhibit unusual smells, experience frequent illnesses, or have a cluttered or neglected living space. If these signs are noticeable, it may be worth having a conversation.
Mood Shifts: Moods can change for many reasons, but a dramatic shift in someone’s baseline mood or reactions could suggest they’re in distress. Supporting someone could mean offering a safe space to talk, even during a late-night conversation, or assisting them in finding a mental health professional.
Changes in Sleep or Appetite: Depression often brings changes in sleep and eating habits. People may overeat or under-eat, oversleep or struggle with sleep. While these shifts might be harder to observe initially, they can be indicators of someone going through a tough time.
Academic or Work Performance: Work and school can both provide support and cause stress. For students, transitions like going off to college or adjusting to a new environment can feel isolating. If a person’s performance at school or work noticeably declines, it may be due to difficulty coping or adjusting, even if their distress isn’t directly related to these settings. It suggests their distress is significant enough to disrupt daily functioning.
Extending Kindness to Others and Oneself
It’s important to have compassion for others—and for oneself. Sometimes, even those who are struggling deeply may keep their suffering hidden behind a smile. As human beings, there are limits to what anyone can do. But each act of care and kindness does matter, and others do feel it.
For those who are finding it hard to push through a difficult time, you are not alone. You are strong, valuable, and needed. Things may feel unbearably heavy, but you don’t have to bear this weight alone. There are people who want to support you and help you through this time. Reaching out may be the first step toward lightening the load.
Help can be just a click or phone call away:
If you or someone you know is in danger of acting on suicidal thoughts, please use the resources above. Houston Therapy DOES NOT offer crisis care. We DO NOT have walk-in appointments. We CAN NOT handle emergency or crisis calls. It may take a few days or more before you can make an appointment or speak with one of our therapists.
If you are not in crisis or at immediate risk of hurting yourself and are looking for a good therapist, we would be happy to speak with you. You may schedule online or contact our intake coordinator, who will help match you with one of our therapists.
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