Suicidal Ideation

Understanding Suicidal Ideation 

Q: What is suicidal ideation?
A: Suicidal ideation refers to thinking about, considering, or planning suicide. These thoughts can range from fleeting to detailed. Having suicide ideation does not mean someone will act on it, but they do signal a need for support. 

Q: How common are suicidal thoughts?
A: Suicidal thoughts are more common than most people realize. Many people experience them, especially during times of stress, trauma, or depression. In fact, according to the CDC, in 2022 an estimated 12.8 million adults seriously thought about suicide. According to the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, an average of 5,480 people attempt suicide each year in Utah. But you don’t have to face them alone. Support and treatment are available. 

 

Getting Help 

Q: What should I do if I’m having suicidal thoughts right now?
A: If you’re in immediate danger, call or text 988 or go to the nearest emergency room.

If you’re not in immediate danger but are struggling, the Utah Warm Line can be reached at:
833-SPEAKUT (toll free)
801-587-1055 (local)
Available 8am – 11pm daily

If you’re not in immediate danger and would like to start therapy, please complete our online screener to schedule a free consultation with one of our licensed mental health providers.

For additional resources: https://healthcare.utah.edu/hmhi/programs/crisis-diversion

Q: How do I know if I need therapy?
A: If suicidal thoughts are persistent, distressing, or affecting your daily life, therapy can help. Even if you’re unsure, reaching out is a safe first step.

Common symptoms include:

• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
• Feelings of hopelessness or despair
• Withdrawal from loved ones

 

Q: How do I start therapy at UCEBT?
A: You can complete our new client screener form. We’ll schedule you with a free consultation with one of our licensed mental health providers to discuss treatment options, next steps, and to help answer any questions.

 

Treatment at UCEBT 

Q: What is DBT and how can it help with suicidal thoughts?
A: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an intensive, evidence-based treatment that reduces suicidal behaviors by teaching practical skills for managing emotions, tolerating distress, building supportive relationships, and teaching mindfulness skills that have been proven to be effective in reducing emotional suffering. 

Q: What other services do you offer for suicidal ideation?
A: We provide individualized safety planning and coordination with medical or psychiatric providers when needed. Clients in DBT program can also call or text their therapist between sessions to receive coaching on how to avoid crises as they arise to get real time help on how to navigate crises in the moment. 

Q: How long does treatment last?
A: DBT typically lasts 6–12 months, but every person’s journey is different. We tailor treatment to your goals, pace, and progress. 

 

Suicidal Ideation in Men 

Q: Is suicidal ideation common among men?
A: Yes. Men are less likely to report suicidal thoughts but more likely to die by suicide, which means many struggle silently. In fact, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, in 2023, men died by suicide 3.8 times more than women. In particular, “white males accounted for 68.13% of suicide deaths in 2023”.

Q: Why is it important to talk about suicide in men?
A: Men often face social pressure to hide emotional pain. Normalizing help-seeking can prevent crises and save lives. 

Q: How can therapy help men?
A: Therapy provides a safe space to express emotions, challenge self-criticism, and build supportive connections. 

 

Suicidal Ideation in Women 

Q: Is suicidal ideation common among women?
A: Yes. Women are more likely to experience suicidal thoughts or attempts, often related to trauma, depression, or life stress. 

Q: Why is it important to talk about suicide in women?
A: Many women feel pressure to appear strong or hold everything together, which can delay getting help. 

Q: How can therapy support women?
A: Therapy can reduce emotional overload, heal trauma, and strengthen support systems. 

 

Suicidal Ideation in LGBTQ+ Individuals 

Q: Are LGBTQ+ people at higher risk for suicidal thoughts?
A: Yes. Discrimination, rejection, and isolation contribute to higher rates of suicidal ideation particularly in the trans community. According to the Trevor Project, 39% of LGBTQ+ young people, including 46% of transgender and nonbinary young people, seriously considered attempting suicide in 2024.

Q: Why is affirming care important?
A: Feeling accepted and understood reduces risk and supports healing. 

Q: How does UCEBT support LGBTQ+ clients?
A: We provide LGBTQ-affirming care, safety planning, and DBT skills to build resilience and self-acceptance. 

 

Suicidal Ideation in BIPOC Communities 

Q: Are suicidal thoughts common in BIPOC communities?
A: Yes, though they are often underreported due to stigma or cultural beliefs. In fact when it comes to suicide, between 1991 and 2017, while rates of suicide for White, Hispanic, and Native American high school teens decreased, the rates for Black youth increased by 73% (“Best Practice for Intersectionality of Race, Neurodiversity, and Bullying in Suicide Prevention“).

Q: Why is culturally responsive care important?
A: Therapy that honors cultural values builds trust, reduces stigma, and improves outcomes. UCEBT’s DBT Program Director, Dr. Kimberly Applewhite says, “Our clients come with unique cultural frames… if we’re thinking about all the different things that might influence people with diverse ethnic backgrounds to seek treatment and to stay in treatment, we can’t know without knowing the context of where someone’s coming from” (“Culturally-Specific Contextualism in Evidence-Based Treatments: Enhancing Outcomes for BIPOC“)

Q: How do you support BIPOC clients?
A: Our clinicians receive training in culturally responsive care and tailor safety planning and DBT to each person’s cultural strengths and support systems. 

 

Suicidal Ideation in Children and Teens 

Q: Can children or teens experience suicidal thoughts?
A: Yes. Stress, bullying, trauma, or identity struggles can trigger suicidal ideation in youth. In fact, according the National Alliance on Mental Illness, suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-14 and the 3rd leading cause of death among those aged 15-24 in the U.S.

Q: What are warning signs for parents to watch for?
A: Sudden mood changes, social withdrawal, hopeless statements, or giving away belongings. Any talk of wanting to die should be taken seriously. 

Q: How does therapy help youth?
A: We offer age-appropriate therapy, safety planning, DBT skills, and family involvement to help youth feel safe and supported. 

 

Suicidal Ideation in Adults 

Q: Is it common for adults to have suicidal thoughts?
A: Yes. Many silently cope with these thoughts for years. In fact, according the National Alliance on Mental Illness, suicide is the 12th leading cause of death overall in the U.S.

Q: Is it too late to seek help if I’ve felt this way for a long time?
A: It’s never too late. Many people find hope and healing after decades of struggle. 

Q: How can therapy fit into a busy adult life?
A: We understand adults juggle many responsibilities. Therapy can be integrated into daily life, and DBT skills can help you cope while continuing to function. DBT clients also have access to phone coaching with their therapist between sessions to help support them in using and applying DBT skills. 

 

Supporting a Loved One 

Q: How can I help someone who is having suicidal thoughts?
A: Listen without judgment, express care, and encourage them to seek help. If they are in immediate danger, call or text 988 or take them to the nearest emergency room.

Q: Can loved ones be involved in treatment?
A: Yes. When appropriate, we involve supportive family or friends in safety planning and therapy to strengthen their support network. 

 

Safety Planning 

Q: What is a safety plan?
A: A safety plan is a personalized, written plan that helps you stay safe when suicidal thoughts or urges appear. It lists your warning signs, coping strategies, supportive contacts, and steps to take to make your environment safer. 

 

Q: When is a safety plan used?
A: Safety plans are used when someone is at risk of suicide or self-harm, or has experienced past suicidal thoughts. They are also helpful for anyone who goes through recurring emotional crises. 

 

Q: What’s included in a safety plan?
A: A typical safety plan includes: 

• Personal warning signs 

• Healthy coping strategies to try alone 

• Places or activities for distraction 

• Supportive people you can call 

• Mental health professionals or crisis lines to contact 

• Ways to make your environment safer 

 

Q: How is a safety plan created?
A: Your therapist will collaborate with you to create a safety plan during a session. The process is collaborative and focused on your unique needs, strengths, and preferences. 

 

Q: Can loved ones be part of my safety plan?
A: Yes. With your permission, supportive family or friends can be included in the plan to help recognize warning signs, offer support, and respond if a crisis happens. 

 

Q: What’s the goal of safety planning?
A: The goal is to help you feel prepared and supported. So if suicidal thoughts or urges arise, you have clear steps and trusted people to turn to before things become overwhelming. 

 

Privacy and Confidentiality 

Q: Will my information be kept private?
A: Yes. Everything shared in therapy is confidential, except when there is risk of harm to yourself or others. In those cases, we will involve you in any steps taken to keep you safe. 

Q: What if I’m unsure about starting therapy?
A: Many people start therapy feeling uncertain. We’ll answer your questions and help you decide what feels best for you. We offer free consultations with our licensed mental health providers to help answer and questions and make sure that we are a good fit for you.