Do You Blame Yourself for Being Suicidal?
“I had no idea what I had done to you, although I should have known it in retrospect. So I guess now is a good time to say I am sorry, although it is about 19 years too late.” Those words came…
Shame, Stigma, and Suicidality
Many people feel ashamed of their suicidal thoughts: “Thinking of suicide means I’m weak,” clients have told me. “I should be able to cope.” “I’m a bad person for wanting to kill myself.” Shame especially can follow a suicide attempt. One small…
The Hope Box
Suicidal thoughts and hope exist on opposite ends of the spectrum, and one withers in the face of the other. A good means for challenging suicidal thoughts, then, is to cultivate hope. That is the aim of the “hope box.” The premise…
Uncovering Suicidal Thoughts
To help a person deal with suicidal thoughts, you first need to know they have them. The challenge here is that many people who seriously consider suicide hide it from their therapist. What To Ask if You Suspect a Client Has Suicidal…
Are You Thinking of Killing Yourself?
I cannot pretend to understand your situation. You are a stranger, first of all, and everybody’s story is unique. So I’ll refrain from the clichés: “It’ll get better.” “This too shall pass.” “You are a good person and deserve to live.” Those…
Will I Be Committed to a Mental Hospital if I Tell a Therapist about my Suicidal Thoughts?
You may be considering suicide and yet not want to tell a therapist, because you fear landing in a mental hospital. If you go to a therapist or psychiatrist and tell them you’re seriously thinking of killing yourself, that doesn’t necessarily mean…
