Suicidal Thoughts
Understanding, Treatment & Help

Raising Suicide Awareness and Promoting Suicide Prevention With Chicago Behavioral Hospital

For every person experiencing suicidal thoughts, there are dozens of others who are concerned for their loved ones and wanting to help. At Chicago Behavioral Hospital, it’s our mission to educate people about the common warning signs of suicidal thoughts so that more people can get the help and support they need.

Key Suicide Warning Signs Which May Tell You A Loved One is Feeling Suicidal

Here are a few common suicide warning signs that certain individuals may exhibit when they are feeling suicidal:

• Talking about suicide or death
• Researching ways to end life
• Saying they feel like a burden to others
• Social withdrawal and isolation
• Depression and other types of mood dysfunction (e.g., increased aggression, shame, guilt, irritability, anxiety)
• Excessive sleeping (or not sleeping enough)
• Giving items away or saying goodbye to people
• Increased use of alcohol and drugs and other unsafe/risky behaviors

While there are many causes of suicide, common risk factors include genetic predisposition, major life change or hardship (such as divorce, job loss, financial stress, death of a loved one, or illness), access to firearms and other lethal instruments, and the presence of another mental health condition or a history of trauma and abuse.

What to do if Your Loved One is Experiencing Depression and Suicidal Thoughts

If you believe your loved one is having frequent constant suicidal thoughts or showing signs of depression, have a private conversation with them. Let them know you care about them and that you want to be there for them. Ask them directly if they are thinking about suicide; sometimes it’s this kind of non-judgmental yet direct communication that “opens a door” for someone and helps them feel comfortable talking.

Don’t minimize nor try to solve their problems. Instead, just listen. Encourage them to seek professional help. You can also seek professional help yourself, such as by calling the National Suicide Prevention Line, so that you are supported through this experience, as well.

At Chicago Behavioral Hospital, we have a streamlined intake process for helping people who are feeling suicidal. Our multidisciplinary team, including board-certified physicians and psychiatrists, can help you and your loved one find the right program to meet their needs. Our triage process involves supporting those in crisis with efficiency and dignity, as well as implementing the appropriate interventions in either inpatient or outpatient settings.

Worried That Your Loved One is Feeling Suicidal?

Suicide, depression and suicidal thoughts are challenging and painful experiences for millions of individuals and their loved ones, who come from all walks of life. Please understand that help and guidance is available 24/7, 365 days a year. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Line at any time. This is a number that gives you access to over 160 crisis centers all over the country if you or a loved one are in crisis.

If you live in the Chicago area, we also encourage you to call Chicago Behavioral Hospital at our number (844) 756-8600. At our mental health hospital, experienced staff members are available 24/7 to provide confidential and judgment-free consultations, and help you and your family get on the track to healing.