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Finding Help For A Teen With Suicidal Ideation

Finding Help For A Teen With Suicidal Ideation

All teenagers will undoubtedly be faced with moments of turmoil, failures, great happiness, successes, etc. Teenagers will feel extreme bouts of overwhelm and for some this may lead to feelings that one’s life has become unbearable. An article in the National Library of Medicine explains that “suicidal ideation (SI), often called suicidal thoughts or ideas, is a broad term used to describe a range of contemplations, wishes, and preoccupations with death and suicide.” Young people may have suicidal thoughts that can range from fleeting thoughts to planning out the way in which one wants to end his or her life. The best way to help a teen with suicidal ideation is to be able to recognize the warning signs and ultimately obtain professional guidance. Early intervention, family support, and professional assistance can be invaluable to a teenager’s treatment process. 

Warning Signs

There are several warning signs that could be indicative of a teenager with suicidal thoughts. Below are examples of some of the warning signs of suicidal ideation in a teen, provided by Stanford Children’s Health:

  • Giving possessions away without reason
  • Engaging in risky and or self-destructive behaviors
  • Developing personality changes
  • Irritation 
  • Extreme mood swings
  • Social isolation
  • Regularly talking about death
  • Anxiousness 
  • Shift in sleeping patterns
  • Change in diet
  • Feeling trapped or hopeless
  • Agitation 
  • Depression

Many physiological shifts and changes occur during one’s adolescent maturation process. Every young person is different, and it is not uncommon for a teenager to keep his or her thoughts to him or herself. Though it may be challenging, it is imperative to be on the lookout for signs of suicidal thoughts in your teen, as if left untreated, a teenager with active suicidal ideation can result in serious injury or death. 

Treatment Options

When it comes to treatment for a teen with suicidal ideation, attending a formal treatment program is often advised. At Pacific Teen Treatment, we offer a residential treatment program that utilizes a variety of therapeutic approaches. We are keenly aware of the fact that every teenager deeply benefits from a customized and tailored treatment plan, which we carefully develop for each of our clients. Certain therapeutic modalities that are commonly integrated into treatment plans at Pacific Teen Treatment include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), psychodynamic psychotherapy, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), expressive arts therapies, and more. It is essential for a young person to feel safe when exploring his or her emotions and/ or experiences that have led to his or her suicidal thoughts. Our treatment facility provides a safe and healing environment, to allow each young person the ability dedicate all his or her attention and energy to the treatment process. 

For Information and Support

Every family in need of mental health treatment must select a program that will best suit the needs of their family. When one member of a family struggles, it impacts everyone in the family unit. To maximize the benefits of treatment we work closely with the entire family to ensure that everyone is receiving the support they need through these difficult times.

Seeking help is never easy, but you are not alone! If you or someone you know needs mental health treatment, we strongly encourage you to reach out for help as quickly as possible. It is not uncommon for many mental health difficulties to impact a person’s life, long term. Pursuing support at the beginning of one’s journey can put the individual in the best position to learn how to manage themselves in a healthy way so they can go on to live happy and fulfilling lives.

OUR KNOWLEDGEABLE ADMISSIONS TEAM CAN BE REACHED 24/7 AT INFO@PACIFICRTC.COM OR CALL: 800-531-5769

We are available to answer any questions you may have regarding mental health treatment and our residential program, anytime. Contact us today using the form to the right.

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