Reducing Stigma Associated with Suicidal Thoughts

Having suicidal thoughts can be terrifying. These thoughts can be isolating. You might feel lost, as though you can’t tell anyone. Or maybe the thoughts don’t feel so serious because you know you would never act on them. You might be ashamed that you feel that way in your weakest moments. You probably don’t want to burden your loved ones with your personal struggles.

Whether you’ve tried to speak to someone and not gotten help or you’ve never spoken about your thoughts out loud, you might be concerned that no one will take you seriously. Maybe you’ve heard someone say you were just trying to get attention. Or you don’t want them to jump to conclusions because you don’t feel like you’re in danger.

If you have a plan or any intention to hurt yourself, it’s important to know that there are people you can talk to.

Being able to share those thoughts in a safe space can be incredibly impactful, but it can be hard to know what help might look like. When you’re receiving competent care, risk is assessed on multiple levels before treatment is considered. From thoughts to plans to means and timeline. The goal with these questions is always to establish your mental wellbeing.

We want to help you stay safe. There’s a myth that sharing any type of suicidal thoughts will result in intensive treatments like an in-patient stay in a psych ward, but the truth is far from that simple. Treatment can occur on many levels depending on when you reach out for help, whether it be therapy, counseling, in-patient programs or crisis services. The National Alliance on Mental Illness outlines a variety of treatments to figure out what might work for you. You can find out more about different types of treatment here.

Your mental health is a priority

Many times disclosure of suicidal thoughts can actually give you relief and you can have a frank discussion with your therapist about next steps, your fears, and figure out what triggers those thoughts. We provide a space where you can regain control of your fear. Fighting these thoughts shows your strength. You are more powerful than you realize. In therapy, you can let down your guard and rest. You can allow yourself to be open and vulnerable, to leave your pain in the open so that you can begin to heal.

We know that you’re struggling. Reaching out for help is a huge step, but we are here for you no matter what you’re going through. Let us hold this space for you. Click here to schedule a 15-minute consultation with our client concierge to learn more about online therapy.

If you are in crisis and need help immediately please call 911 or to one of our other crisis resources: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or Text Home to 741741 for Crisis Text Line

DISCLAIMER: Online therapy is effective, however, it is not always appropriate for every presenting clinical concern. If you were recently hospitalized for a mental health related reason, are experiencing active suicidal ideation, or need emergency crisis resources, Repose may not be the best option for you. Our team is only able to provide the level of care that is appropriate for a virtual environment. Please visit your nearest hospital or call 911 for emergency services.