Surviving Suicidal Ideation

Suicidal ideation differs from thoughts of suicide, but it is just as serious and requires intervention from a medical health professional to successfully overcome. It consists of passive thoughts about one’s own death and can be triggered by (physical, mental, or emotional) trauma. Needless to say that many of us victimized via sexual violence suffer from suicidal ideation during various parts of our survivorship journeys.

An effect of trauma is the chemical rewiring of the brain. Specific regions suffer a neurochemical imbalance that impacts our ability to regulate emotions, make decisions, and control impulses. As a result, we see the world differently and engage with it per the new chemical levels in our brains.

All of this may cause us to have a negative self reflection, feeling like a burden to the people closest to us. We stay quiet, may even withdraw…it becomes easier to no longer exist. And, the ideation can then take over. Although we aren’t actively looking to take our lives, suffering from suicidal ideation means we are comfortable with notion of no longer existing.

“Suicidal ideation differs from thoughts of suicide, but it is just as serious and requires intervention from a medical health professional to successfully overcome.”

If left unaddressed, the passive interest in one’s own death can become active. Attempts to commit suicide may then appear. It’s important to understand that suicide isn’t about wanting to die. It’s about wanting the pain to stop. (Note: Aligns with root cause of addiction, self harm, and extreme behaviors)

Successful care for those of us with suicidal ideation requires the support and help from a licensed, trauma informed mental health professional. Understanding that not everyone has access to these paid resources. Free online resources are available to help better understand the condition and be a starting point to get some help. In addition, grounding techniques and exercise may help reduce negative thoughts as they help by releasing the “happy” chemicals in the brain. The “happy” chemicals temporarily counteract the negative chemicals.

If you or someone you know is suffering from suicidal ideation or suicidal thoughts, contact 988 (in the United States). Get to an Emergency Room to address more serious and immediate concerns.

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