Therapy for Suicidality

Understanding Suicidality

Suicidality can be driven by a range of factors, including untreated mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) reports that 90% of individuals who die by suicide have a diagnosable mental health condition at the time of their death. Life stressors such as relationship problems, financial difficulties, or grief can also intensify feelings of hopelessness. While these thoughts can feel all-consuming, it’s critical to remember that they are temporary, and professional treatment can help reduce the emotional pain you’re experiencing.

Opening up about suicidal thoughts can be difficult due to fear, shame, or stigma, but discussing these feelings is a crucial step toward healing. Normalizing these conversations helps create a safe environment where individuals can seek support without judgment. At Kona Counseling, we aim to remove the stigma surrounding suicidality and offer help in a compassionate, non-judgmental setting.

Psychoeducation: Understanding Suicidality

Psychoeducation is a powerful tool in addressing suicidality. It helps individuals and their loved ones better understand the root causes and warning signs of suicidal thoughts. Learning about cognitive distortions—such as black-and-white thinking, feeling like a burden, or catastrophizing—can provide clarity and promote healthier thinking patterns. Research shows that psychoeducation increases the effectiveness of other therapeutic interventions and equips individuals with coping strategies for managing emotional crises.

By recognizing the factors that contribute to suicidal thoughts and learning emotional regulation skills, individuals can take proactive steps to manage their mental health. Knowing the risk factors and symptoms of suicidality allows both the individual and those around them to act quickly and seek the necessary support.

Mild to moderate symptoms are generally appropriate for treatment in an outpatient setting. However, moderate to severe symptoms may necessitate additional or alternative services. Your therapist will work with you to discuss the most suitable options for your care.

Therapies for Treating Suicidality

At Kona Counseling, we use several evidence-based therapeutic approaches that have proven effective in treating suicidality:

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Suicide Prevention (CBT-SP): Research has shown that CBT-SP significantly reduces the risk of future suicide attempts. This therapy focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns, developing coping skills, and creating safety plans to manage crises.
2. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT has been shown to reduce suicidal behavior in individuals with borderline personality disorder and other mental health conditions. This therapy teaches emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and mindfulness skills, helping individuals manage intense emotions and suicidal thoughts more effectively.
3. Mindfulness-Based Therapy: Mindfulness approaches, which focus on staying present and aware, help reduce the intensity of suicidal thoughts. Studies show that practicing mindfulness can lead to reduced rumination and improved emotional regulation, offering individuals tools to navigate moments of crisis.
4. Trauma-Focused Therapy: Trauma is a significant risk factor for suicidality. Trauma-focused therapies, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), have been shown to help individuals heal from past trauma, thereby reducing the emotional distress that may contribute to suicidal thoughts.

You Don’t Have to Face This Alone

If you or someone you love is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please reach out for support. Statistics show that getting professional help can save lives. At Kona Counseling, our team of trained therapists is dedicated to helping you through this difficult time. Together, we can work to find hope, healing, and a path forward. Reach out to Kona Counseling today—your life is worth it.