What Happens If I Bring Up Suicide With My Therapist?
Bringing up suicide with a therapist can be a difficult topic to address. It can be scary, vulnerable, and uncertain for you and the therapist. However, discussing suicide with a therapist is important in taking care of one’s mental health and can have positive outcomes. In this blog post, I will discuss what to expect when bringing up suicide with a therapist, how to approach the conversation, and how to ensure the conversation is productive and beneficial. Having open, honest conversations with a therapist about suicide can be a critical part of the healing process and leads to improved mental health. Knowing what to expect and how to handle the conversation will help to create the right environment to ensure the conversation is beneficial.
Most Therapists Will Create a Safety Plan
One of the first steps your therapist will take if you bring up suicide is to create a safety plan. This plan will help keep you safe while in treatment and if you ever feel like you need to act on suicidal thoughts. The plan will include details such as who you can call if you need support, what activities you can do to help manage your feelings, and any other forms of support the therapist feels could be helpful. They will also discuss potential risks and how to manage them and ensure you have access to any necessary resources, like a hospital, if necessary. The hospital and being admitted is the last line of defense.
Therapists Will Not Judge or Be Scared
One of the most common worries people have when talking to a therapist about suicidal thoughts is that the therapist will judge or be scared of them. This is not the case. Therapists are highly trained professionals who have been educated to understand and respond to suicidal thoughts in the most compassionate and effective way possible. They may be taken aback initially, but they are not scared—they are there to help you. You can trust that your therapist will treat you with respect and empathy and will be there to support you through this difficult time.
Therapists Will Offer Active Support
When you discuss suicidal thoughts with your therapist, you can expect to receive active support. This means that your therapist will ask questions about how you’re feeling and why you’re considering suicide. Your therapist will then provide you with resources and guidance to help address the root cause of your thoughts and feelings. This could include information on self-care, mindfulness techniques, and other coping strategies. Your therapist may also suggest medication or other forms of treatment, depending on the level of distress you’re experiencing.
Therapists Will Not Force Treatment on You
It is important to note that your therapist will never force any treatment on you. Even if you discuss suicide and express a desire to end your life, your therapist will not pressure you into seeking help. Instead, they will work with you to develop a plan and discuss resources to provide support and information. It is important to remember that your therapist is not a judge or jury, and they are not there to tell you what to do. They will work with you to explore different options and help you find the best solution.
It's important to remember that when it comes to discussing suicidal thoughts or ideation with your therapist, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Every situation is unique, and the best course of action depends on your individual needs and preferences. However, in general, it's important to remember that your therapist is someone you can trust to provide a safe and supportive environment when you need to discuss difficult topics. With the right support, you can work together to find the best solutions.
