Hope and support for those experiencing suicidal thoughts
Back to the journalDepression

Suicidal Thoughts: How to Get Help and Support Someone in Crisis

CHC Counseling TeamOct 15, 20248 min read
In this article▾
  1. Understanding Suicidal Thoughts
  2. Warning Signs to Recognize
  3. How to Help Someone in Crisis
  4. Treatment and Recovery
  5. Crisis Resources and Next Steps

Understanding Suicidal Thoughts#

Suicidal thoughts, also known as suicidal ideation, range from fleeting considerations to detailed planning. They are more common than most people realize and are often associated with treatable mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use disorders. Experiencing suicidal thoughts does not make you weak or broken; it means you are in pain and need support. If you are in immediate danger, call 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room.

Warning Signs to Recognize#

Warning signs of suicidal crisis include talking about wanting to die or being a burden, increased substance use, withdrawing from social connections, giving away prized possessions, sudden calmness after a period of depression, researching methods of self-harm, and expressing feelings of hopelessness or having no reason to live. Any mention of suicide should always be taken seriously and responded to with compassion.

How to Help Someone in Crisis#

If someone you know is showing warning signs, approach them with empathy and without judgment. Ask directly if they are thinking about suicide; asking does not plant the idea. Listen without trying to immediately fix the problem. Help them connect with professional resources such as the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741), or a mental health professional. Do not leave them alone if you believe they are in immediate danger.

Treatment and Recovery#

Suicidal thoughts are treatable. Evidence-based approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Suicide Prevention, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and safety planning interventions. Medication can address underlying conditions like depression and anxiety. With proper treatment, most people who have experienced suicidal thoughts go on to live full, meaningful lives. Recovery is a process, and professional support makes a critical difference.

Crisis Resources and Next Steps#

Immediate resources include the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988), the Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741), the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233), and your local emergency room. For ongoing support, connecting with a therapist who specializes in crisis intervention and suicidal ideation can provide lasting relief. Remember, reaching out is courageous, and recovery is possible. You deserve help and you deserve hope.

Written by the CHC Counseling Team — licensed therapists serving Alpharetta, Johns Creek, and all of Georgia via teletherapy.

Ready to talk to someone?

CHC offers in-person therapy in Alpharetta and teletherapy across all 159 Georgia counties. Most major insurance accepted.

Schedule an appointment(404) 832-0102

Keep reading

Related from the journal

A Black woman in her 40s and her adult son sit close together on a living-room couch in warm afternoon light, talking quietly and listening to each other, conveying steady family support for someone living with schizoaffective disorderDepression

Schizoaffective Disorder: The Two-Week Lag Explained

Schizoaffective disorder explained: how the two-week lag sets it apart from schizophrenia and bipolar or depression with psychosis, plus the path to stability.

Jun 8, 20269 min read
A Black woman in her 30s sits at a sunlit kitchen table with a notebook and coffee, pausing thoughtfully while tracking her mood — editorial documentary photo about living with cyclothymic disorder and mood swingsDepression

Cyclothymic Disorder: Bipolar's Quieter Cousin

Cyclothymic disorder brings years of mild highs and lows that never reach full bipolar. Learn the signs, treatment, and how Georgia teletherapy helps.

May 29, 202610 min read
A Black woman in her late 30s sits at a sunlit kitchen table with a cup of coffee, gazing out the window with a quiet, distant expression — editorial documentary photo about persistent depressive disorder and the low-grade depression many people mistake for their personalityDepression

Persistent Depressive Disorder: When Low Mood Becomes Your Normal

Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) is chronic low-grade depression lasting 2+ years. Learn the signs, how it differs from MDD, and effective treatment options in Georgia.

May 27, 202611 min read