SUICIDAL IDEATION TREATMENT FOR TEENAGERS
UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORTING YOUR TEEN WITH SUICIDAL THOUGHTS
At Build Bright Care Group, we understand the challenge you may be facing if your teen experiences suicidal thoughts (thoughts about dying), or has made an attempt to kill themselves. We are committed to providing you with some information to help you navigate the intricacies of your teen's mental health journey.
Our team aims to empower you to support your teenager through this difficult time, fostering understanding, resilience, and hope. With our collective expertise and compassionate approach, we stand by your side, ready to guide you towards effective intervention and healing.
WHAT IS SUICIDAL IDEATION IN ADOLESCENTS?
Suicidal ideations (SI), often called suicidal thoughts or ideas, refers to thoughts, wishes, fantasies, or contemplations about ending one's own life. These preoccupations with death and suicide can range from fleeting or passing thoughts to more persistent and detailed plans for suicide. Suicidal ideation can be associated with various mental health conditions, intense emotional distress, or overwhelming life circumstances. It's essential to take any mention of suicidal thoughts seriously, and seek appropriate support and intervention to ensure the safety and well-being of the individual experiencing such thoughts.
ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SUICIDAL IDEATION
Active Suicidal Ideation: This refers to thoughts or intentions involving taking direct action to end one's life. It may include detailed plans for suicide, such as specific methods or locations, as well as a strong desire or intention to carry out the act. Teens experiencing active suicidal ideation may exhibit behaviors indicating imminent risk, such as acquiring means for suicide, or saying goodbye to loved ones.
Passive Suicidal Ideation: In contrast, passive suicidal ideation involves thoughts or wishes for death, without a specific plan or intent to act on these thoughts. Teens with passive suicidal ideation may express feelings of hopelessness, a desire to escape from emotional pain, or a belief that death would be preferable to their current circumstances. While less immediate than active ideation, passive suicidal thoughts still warrant serious attention and intervention to address underlying distress and prevent escalation to active suicidal behavior.
Both forms of suicidal ideation are concerning and indicate that the teen is experiencing significant emotional distress. It's essential for caregivers, educators, and mental health professionals to recognize the signs of suicidal ideation in teens, and intervene promptly to ensure their safety and well-being.
TYPICAL SUICIDAL IDEATION STATEMENTS IN TEENS
These statements demonstrate the distinction between active suicidal ideation, which involves specific plans or intentions to end one's life, and passive suicidal ideation, which reflects a desire for death without immediate plans or intent to act on those thoughts. Both types of ideation require attention and support
TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR TEENS WITH SUICIDAL THOUGHTS INCLUDE:
In situations where teens are at immediate risk of harming themselves due to suicidal thoughts, hospitalization may be necessary for stabilization and safety. Psychiatric hospitals, emergency departments, crisis hotlines and mobile crisis teams offer immediate assistance. Do not hesitate to call 911 when there is imminent risk.
Residential treatment for teens (our program) with suicidal thoughts is a program where adolescents live on-site for a short period of time receiving comprehensive and intensive mental health treatment. Teens receive round-the-clock care, supervision, and support to address the underlying causes to suicidal ideation while promoting healing, stability, and long-term recovery.
Intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) typically involves for the teen to attend therapy sessions many times per week for several hours each day, allowing for intensive treatment while still maintaining their daily routines and responsibilities. The goal of intensive outpatient treatment is to provide a higher level of care than traditional outpatient therapy.
Adolescents can attend the traditional/outpatient individual or group therapy sessions (online or in-person) with a qualified mental health professional specializing in treating suicidal ideation. When there is suicidality risk, the frequency of the sessions have to be increased. If the suicidal risk continues, teens need to be transferred to a higher level of care.
In any treatment setting, teens can work closely with a psychiatrist to explore medication options. Medications can address underlying mental health conditions contributing to suicidal thoughts, such as depression or anxiety, but should be carefully monitored for effectiveness and side effects.
In all cases, collaborate with mental health professionals to develop a personalized written safety plan for your adolescent to follow in a crisis situation. This plan should outline coping strategies, support networks, and crisis intervention steps to implement during times of heightened distress.
In addition to any mental health treatment, adolescents can always be supported in adopting healthy lifestyle habits such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, adequate sleep, and stress management techniques to promote overall well-being and resilience.
In addition to receiving mental health treatment for suicidal thoughts, adolescents can explore complementary approaches and after school activities like mindfulness meditation, yoga, or art therapy. These will enhance a teen's emotional regulation skills and promote long-term inner peace.
OUR RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT FOR SUICIDAL THOUGHTS:
For those adolescents needing more intensive support, our residential treatment provides a structured and supportive environment where teens can focus entirely on their mental health and recovery. One of the key benefits is the access to round-the-clock care from our mental health professionals, ensuring immediate support during difficult moments.
For teens who have been hospitalized due to being a risk to themselves (suicidal thoughts, behaviors, or attempts), our residential treatment could be the next appropriate level of care to ensure that the underlying issues and causes have been addressed before returning home. Our specialized treatment can provide adolescents with the peace of mind a parent needs, knowing that their child is receiving 24/7 monitoring and will return home with a comprehensive and personalized discharge plan.
Our residential treatment center may also be the best option when other modalities of mental health therapy or treatment have not been effective in reducing the suicidal risk and behaviors.
Since we offer a comprehensive approach, the child will be able to develop healthy coping skills in a real-world context, and practice managing their suicidal thoughts in a safe and controlled environment.
Our setting allows for teens to connect with peers facing similar challenges, fostering a sense of community, and understanding that they are not alone in their struggles.
Take the first step to a brighter future!
