Frequent thoughts of suicide

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Frequent thoughts of suicide

Many people have fleeting thoughts of death. Fleeting thoughts of death do not usually cause problems and are much different from having frequent thoughts of suicide. If you often have thoughts of death and suicide, you need to talk about your suicidal thoughts.

You may think of suicide as the only way to solve your problem and end the pain you are feeling. It may be hard for you to see other solutions. This makes it important to talk about suicidal thoughts with someone. Other people may have a different perspective and may be able to help you find other solutions to your problems and pain.

Don't be afraid to talk about your thoughts of suicide with a family member, friend, doctor, or counselor or to call a suicide hot line. Many people who have suicidal thoughts may think there is no one who can help or who cares. Most often this is not the case. Other people are able and willing to help. You may also wish to contact your local suicide hot line, health department, or the national suicide hot line (1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-784-2433).

Talking about your suicidal thoughts is the first step to finding a way to solve your problems and end your pain.

Credits

Last updated:	January 12, 2007
Author:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry
Editors:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC, Tracy Landauer