WHAT IS SUICIDAL IDEATION?
Suicidal ideation is a symptom of mental illness. Somewhere around 20% of Australians suffer from some form of mental illness, and among this group there is a higher rate of suicidal tendencies.
In simple terms, suicidal ideation is the expressed desire to end one’s life. This can be through discussing these wishes or writing about them, but someone with suicidal ideation will most likely express the desire to die or an extreme interest in the topic of death. These suicidal tendencies can be linked primarily to one of two points of reasoning.
The first reason associated with suicidal ideation is a desire to escape extreme emotion and/or pain. When a person gets to the point where they feel they can’t manage their situation, they may seek suicide as a way out.
The second reason is a desire for recognition or understanding. Someone who feels neglected or misunderstood may seek suicide to get other’s attention. Before an attempt, a person may speak of their desires to get help. Whatever the reasoning, suicidal ideation is a serious issue and should be dealt with immediately.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SUICIDAL IDEATION?
There are several warning signs you can look for if you suspect a person has suicidal ideation:
- Threats of harm or death to one’s self
- Talking or writing about death and/or suicide
- Extreme changes in mood or behaviour, such as reckless behaviour, increased bouts of anger, increased anxiety, or hopelessness
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Changes in sleeping patterns
- Inability to focus on daily tasks
- Increased alcohol or drug use
In some cases, a person with suicidal ideation, particularly if they have made up their mind to kill themselves, will give items away. They will especially take the time to give favourite trinkets, clothes, etc. to friends or family members.
It is important to understand that a person with suicidal ideation is going to express more than one sign. Everyone has experienced changes in mood or feelings of sadness at some point, but suicidal ideation involves a prolonged experience of multiple symptoms.
HOW COMMON IS SUICIDAL IDEATION?
Suicidal ideation is most common in people who experience mental illness, or someone who has recently experienced a traumatic event. Among those with mental illness, the chances for suicidal ideation is highest among those who have recently completed psychiatric care.
While women are more likely to attempt suicide, men are more likely to succeed. Among the men who succeed at suicide, the rate is highest among men over the age of 80.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF SUICIDAL IDEATION?
The most common cause of suicidal ideation is among those with mental illness. The highest occurrence is with:
- Depression
- Bipolar Disorder
- Psychosis
- Borderline Personality Disorder
Other causes of suicidal ideation include:
- Sudden change to physical health or disability
- Recent stressors or trauma
- Experience of physical or sexual abuse
The chances of suicidal ideation will also increase for someone who has attempted suicide in the past, or someone who has recently been exposed to suicide. Suicidal ideation can also be an early sign of mental illness for someone who has not been diagnosed, or a side effect to medications taken for depression or other disorders.
HELP FOR SUICIDAL IDEATION
At Brain Training Australia™ we use Neurofeedback Brain Training to help our clients struggling with Suicidal Ideation.
THE PROFESSIONALS WHO CAN HELP
The staff at Brain Training Australia™ are dedicated to helping our clients deal with depression or any other disorder that may cause suicidal ideation. The safe, natural non-invasive option of Neurofeedback Brain Training provides a safe and enjoyable process for children, adolescents, or adults.
Let us help you. Here is how to get started.
Your first step is to get in contact with us.
All new clients receive a free, complementary and no obligation 15-minute face-to-face Complementary Assessment with a dedicated member of our team. If you’re on the fence, wondering if Neurofeedback Brain Training is right for you, then this is a really good place to start.
If you are ready to get started then you can just book in your First Appointment and get started straight away.
The team at Brain Training Australia™ recognise the unique qualities of all our clients and will work closely with you to personalise your Brain Training Program so that you can achieve your goals of optimal mental processes.
We look forward to helping you live a much richer, happier and healthier life.