The key to understanding suicide and self-destructive behavior comes from the awareness of the destructive thought processes that control such behaviors. Being cognizant of how self-critical thoughts can lead to a self-destructive downward spiral enables clinicians to better assess risk and design interventions for depressed and suicidal clients.

What is happening in the mind of someone who is suicidal?
Part of the individual wants to live; part wants to die. But it’s the part that wants to die that is in control at this moment. This part is governed by a negative thought process that colors the perception of self, others, and life in general. Understanding this fundamental ambivalence and the associated destructive thought processes is key to assessing risk and intervening effectively in suicidal crises.

What is the relationship between suicide and other forms of self-destructive behavior?
Suicide represents the final submission to self-destructive machinations. Negative reactions against the self are an integral part of each person’s psyche, ranging from critical attitudes and mild self-attacks to severe assaults on the self. The latter includes feelings and attitudes that predispose physical injury to the self and eventually the complete obliteration of self.

What is the most important thing to keep in mind when dealing with someone who is suicidal?
You should do nothing to increase the person’s guilt and negative sense of self, and do everything possible to support the person’s positive sense of self and connect with the part of the person that wants to live.

Learn more about warning signs and how you can help prevent suicide by visiting PsychAlive.org's Suicide Prevention Advice Page

Our Approach to Suicide and Self-Destructive Behavior

Suicide Prevention Resources

CRISIS AND SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINES:

• If you are in crisis or feeling suicidal, help is available. Don't hesitate to call the free 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
• Santa Barbara Area - Free 24-hour local services are also available in the Santa Barbara area. Contact CARES/ ACCESS at 1-888-868-1649 or the SAFTY Mobile Crisis Team/ Hotline at 1-888-334-2777.

MEDIA AND SUICIDE:

• Listen to NPR's report on the dangers in covering suicide in the media. Listen here
• Read the American Association of Suicidology's recommendations for reporting on suicide. Click here

RESTRICTION OF MEANS:

• Read about how restriction of means prevents suicide. Click here
• Harvard School of Public Health - Means Matter

WEBSITES:

• www.suicidology.org
• www.befrienders.org
• www.PsychAlive.org - Suicide Prevention Advice