let’s talk with Teresa | Suicide
This is such an important topic to be able to talk about! For many years I was afraid to hear talk about suicide. I never thought I would initiate conversations about suicide.
It can be overwhelming when suicidal thoughts come into your mind and especially so if you don’t believe that you have someone who will or can listen.
You are not alone! Many people have suicidal thoughts and don’t even notice them. Others, these thoughts persist and are often used as a way to cope. As a professional counselor, I am privileged to start every first session with the limits of confidentiality regarding suicide.
I am able to talk with client’s about suicide without reporting this. It is if there is a plan and the means to carry out that plan, I want my clients to live and so at that point, I would call for help.
I cannot tell you how meaningful it has become to have these conversations and see clients not be alone with their thoughts any longer.
If You Have Thoughts of Suicide
If you are reading this and feel alone with thoughts of suicide, I want you to live!
The National Suicide Hotline now has an easy to remember and quick to dial number! 988
988Lifeline is available 24/7.¹
If You Wonder If Your Loved Ones Have Thoughts of Suicide
“Studies show that asking people about suicidal thoughts and behaviors does not cause or increase such thought. Asking someone directly, ‘Are you thinking of killing yourself?’ can be the bet way to identify someone at risk for suicide.”² Whether you are a teen or an older adult, you do not have to navigate thoughts of suicide alone.
Risk Factors
Mood Disorders
Alcohol & Substance Use Disorders
Feeling Hopeless
Impulsive and/or Aggressive Tendencies
Trauma or Abuse History
Major Physical Illnesses
Previous Suicide Attempts
Family History
Job/ Financial Loss
Relationship Loss
Easy Access to Lethal Means
Isolation/ Lack of Support
Stigma Linked with Asking For Help
Lack of Healthcare (Mental Health & Substance Abuse)
Cultural & Religious Beliefs
Exposure to Others Who Have Died by Suicide (real life or media/ internet)
Warning Signs
Talking About Wanting To Die
Looking for Way to Kill Themselves
Talk About Feeling Hopeless/ No Reason To Live
Talk About Feeling Trapped or in Unbearable Pain
Talk About Being a Burden to Others
Increasing Alcohol or Drug Use
Acting Anxious/ Agitate/ Behaving Recklessly
Sleeping Too Little
Sleeping Too Much
Withdrawing or Isolating
Showing Rage or Talking About Revenge
Extreme Mood Swings
If you have a plan and the means to carry out suicide, please call 988 right now. If you have had thoughts in the past or have them now but don’t believe you would act on them, please reach out to set up an appointment with one of our therapists or someone you trust. You are not alone and we want to listen and support you.