I get suicidal thoughts from time to time

Hi. It’s Jenny at AnxietyBoss.com. Our question today is from Amy in Fort Lauderdale. I get suicidal thoughts from time to time, but I do not want to commit suicide nor am I suicidal. I just get the thoughts and that’s it.

If you ever have suicidal thoughts, the first thing that you should do is immediately tell your doctor or call the National Suicidal Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. What you are describing sounds like suicidal ideation. These types of thoughts may be as minor as looking at kitchen knives and experiencing “what if” but “no” thoughts to planning out an extravagant way to end your own life without any intention to do so.

Most people who experience suicidal ideation do not follow through with these thoughts. Someone who is experiencing these thoughts may also appear to feel hopeless, especially anxious, moody, overly fatigued, depressed, more panicky or more isolated. This person may also appear to be drinking a higher level of alcohol or experimenting with drugs.

Have you recently experienced a traumatic conflict in your life? Do you feel that you are no longer able to cope with such high anxiety? Is something overwhelming you? These may be all reasons that these symptoms of suicidal ideation are present.

Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. With this in mind, suicidal thoughts are the result of feeling trapped and as if there’s no way to escape your problems; however, suicide is not the only exit. If you feel that these thoughts are out of your control, speak to your doctor about treatment.