Hawaii Island Recovery 
Suicide is devastating and tragic, not just for individuals but also for entire families and communities. Identifying the early signs of suicidal thoughts is paramount to taking action and preventing this dire outcome. Knowing the signs of suicidal ideation, how to take action, and what support is available is paramount. Hawaii Island Recovery’s unique Hawaii rehabilitation programs are a constant resource to help loved ones connect with those who are struggling with these thoughts while providing dedicated and trauma-informed programming to overcome these feelings.
The Prevalence of Suicide
Suicide can be more common than anyone would like to admit, with over 48,000 people dying by suicide in 2021 alone. However, this already staggering number does not reflect the number of people struggling with self-destructive thoughts or showing signs of suicidal ideation or the effects that these thoughts can have on a person’s overall well-being. It also cannot reflect the number of people truly affected by such loss.
Thoughts and signs of suicidal ideation can be informed by a myriad of different factors, with no two people necessarily having the same thoughts or being challenged by the same difficulties. Signs of suicidal ideation can be common in those who have lived through intense traumatic experiences, particularly among veterans, first responders, or those who have lived through abuse, either physical, emotional, or sexual.
Likewise, those living with mental health disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and more can all experience intense bouts of low mood. It is common to feel “trapped” in a cycle of these emotional turmoils, adding to their intensity and sustained effects. Substance use and addiction can also affect suicidal thoughts by exacerbating the effects of mental health disorders or bringing further challenges and traumatic experiences, such as the loss of a job or the deterioration of relationships that may have otherwise been trying to help an individual through challenging times.
Recognizing the Signs of Suicidal Ideation
Suicidal ideation connotates any thoughts of suicide. An individual does not necessarily need to have a plan to take their own life to experience suicidal ideation. For many, these thoughts can begin as, “What if I wasn’t alive?” and can develop into entirely self-deprecating thoughts. Any thoughts, considerations, or plans regarding suicide can be signs of suicidal ideation.
Even if an individual does not have a dedicated plan or has taken action against their own life, identifying signs of suicidal ideation is paramount to support those who need it most to overcome these difficult thoughts and challenges. Professional treatment to address these thoughts along with past traumas, addiction, mental health disorders, and more is paramount, with Hawaii Island Recovery being able to personalize a comprehensive treatment plan based on these needs.
Pervasive Hopelessness
Intense feelings of hopelessness are common among those considering taking their own life. Not only can life feel pointless but an individual may also feel as if there is no point in trying to fix their situation. This applies not just to thoughts of suicide, but also to personal goals, professional goals, relationships, and more.
Intense pessimism and absolutist language are also common signs of these feelings of hopelessness. It is common for those showing signs of suicidal ideation to believe that something is “impossible,” at least for them, or that it is “absolutely” pointless to address the situation because it is doomed to fail. These thoughts can make it difficult to connect with an individual, and professional treatment may be necessary to explore these absolutist thoughts effectively.
Isolation in Those Showing Signs of Suicidal Ideation
It is common to feel alone in personal challenges, with many of those showing signs of suicidal ideation also finding it difficult to reach out for help or tend to social needs. An individual may cease going to social functions or may spend all of their time in isolated spaces away from friends and family. This can be coupled with intense feelings of loneliness, depression, and even substance use to “numb” these feelings, though often making such feelings worse.
Emotional Turmoil
Those living with these intense thoughts can be under an extreme amount of stress, and mood swings are possible. For some, this can manifest as being easily agitated, frustrated, or angered, while others may instead experience intense depression following even slight challenges or setbacks. Noticing difficulty regulating emotion can be a sign of suicidal ideation, and can be a product of feeling hopeless or powerless to fix the situation.
Distance From Previous Interests
An individual may also no longer find interest in things they once enjoyed. This can also be coupled with giving away possessions or “retiring” from particular hobbies or ambitions. Noticing an inability to take joy in hobbies, accomplishments, and more can all be important to note.
Getting Help Addressing Signs of Suicidal Ideation
Addressing signs of suicidal ideation is complicated. However, there is no replacement for dedicated, professional treatment programs like those at Hawaii Island Recovery. Building communication strategies and creating a safe space to express vulnerability and emotional needs is paramount, all while establishing a calm and supportive atmosphere. Likewise, addressing these signs and thoughts also means exploring the events that informed them, from mental health disorders to addiction and past traumas, necessitating trauma-informed treatment and emotional support to navigate these challenging topics.
Talking with a local treatment facility about potential signs of suicidal ideation, making oneself physically and emotionally available to talk, and doing so while showing respect and trust are all necessary to help prevent signs of suicidal ideation from developing further.
Suicide and suicidal ideation can be devastating for families and communities alike, and recognizing the signs of suicidal ideation is the first crucial step in helping to prevent potentially tragic outcomes. At Hawaii Island Recovery, we understand how difficult it is to challenge these thoughts, as well as the impact they can have on a person’s self-esteem, family, and emotional well-being. Our unique approach to Hawaii rehabilitation empowers each person to explore these thoughts and any self-destructive coping strategies in a safe environment to challenge their destructive potential. Professional, trauma-informed support, an accepting community, and a personalized treatment plan for each person are necessary to engage in truly effective healing. Learn more by calling us at (866) 390-5070.
