I Have Suicidal Thoughts Often: Can You Help?

Frequently thinking about killing yourself puts you at risk of harm. Asking if we can help puts you on a path that can lead you out of your despair and darkness because you will find the compassionate care you need at Insight Psychiatric Services.

Kevin Joseph, DNP, PMHNP-BC, has helped many people navigate through suicidal thoughts, overcome the reason for their hopelessness, and move forward into a positive, fulfilling life.

We can meet in the office or you can schedule a telemedicine appointment, making it easy to get help when your low energy and mood make it hard to get out of the house.

If you’re in crisis — you have a plan to commit suicide or feel like all hope is lost and you’re on the verge of taking action —  call or text 988, a suicide lifeline providing confidential support anytime of the day or night.

You only need to call or connect online to reach out for our help. But keep reading if you’re curious about how we work with you to improve your mental well-being.

Our first meeting

The first time we talk, our primary goal is to ensure your safety. That means learning about your thoughts and feelings, determining your risk of self-harm, exploring your medical and mental health history, and assessing your stressors. 

Then we provide the care you need to improve your mental well-being.

Not all suicidal thoughts carry the same risk; they tend to progress through different levels that guide treatment recommendations. At each stage, whether you have support from family and friends also factors into treatment decisions.

A one-time or occasional suicidal thought poses less risk than frequently thinking about suicide. In both cases, our outpatient treatment provides the level of care you need.

Having a plan about how to commit suicide and thinking about taking action is a crisis point. We may provide your care or recommend a more intensive program.

Taking active steps to follow through on your suicide plan demands immediate emergency care. Call 988 or go to your local emergency department.

Your personalized care plan at Insight Psychiatric Services includes medication management, brief therapy, or in many cases, both.

Medication management

We prescribe psychiatric medications based on the reason for your suicidal thoughts. Many people think about suicide when they’re depressed. Their treatment may include antidepressants that stop suicidal thoughts by improving their mood.

But depression isn’t the only reason you may feel suicidal. Many mental health conditions lead to suicidal thoughts, including anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, substance use disorder, and schizophrenia. Each disorder needs a different medication and treatment approach.

You may not have a mental health disorder. Many people develop suicidal thoughts when faced with ongoing, challenging situations. 

Being constantly bullied at school, facing an illness, or the death of a friend or family member are three circumstances that can make you feel like the only solution is suicide. After learning the reason for your suicidal thoughts, we determine if medication is appropriate.

Brief intervention

Brief intervention focuses on preventing suicide and giving you immediate tools to use when suicidal thoughts occur. For example, we may pinpoint your warning signs of a crisis, identify specific actions you can take if you feel suicidal, and help you build a support system.

Your intervention could also include time-limited therapy. This type of therapy takes a short-term, tightly focused approach that helps you overcome your immediate mental health challenges.

During time-limited therapy, we don’t take time to delve into your past life or analyze all the problems leading up to your suicidal thoughts. Instead, we focus on finding a solution for the current problem, giving you the ability to improve your life.

Brief intervention is highly effective whether we meet in the office or through online video conferencing.

Call us at Insight Psychiatric Services in Sunrise, Florida, right away or connect through online booking to get exceptional care for suicidal thoughts.