Suicidal Ideation Treatment in San Diego
Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the U.S. and caused more than 47,500 deaths in 2019. In 2019, 12 million Americans seriously thought about suicide, 3.5 million made a plan, and 1.4 million attempted suicide.
Suicide is preventable when warning signs are known and the individual receives help. With a proper diagnosis, the use of medications, therapy, or a combination of both, suicide can be avoided.
Solara Mental Health provides mental health services for individuals who are struggling with suicidal behaviors or thoughts. Our mental health professionals provide an assessment and evaluation to properly diagnose and treat each individual.
Signs of Suicidal Ideation
An effective way to prevent suicide is to be able to recognize the warning signs that can lead to suicidal ideation or behaviors.
These signs indicate that suicidal behaviors or ideation are present:
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Talking about feeling trapped
- Talking about unbearable pain
- Increasing use of alcohol or drugs
- Withdrawing from activities
- Isolating from family and friends
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Visiting or calling people to say goodbye
- Giving away prized possessions
- Aggression or irritability
- Fatigue
- Losing interest in activities that were once enjoyed
Signs that Need Immediate Attention
These signs require immediate attention. If you or a loved one are displaying these symptoms, please get help now.
- Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself
- Looking for a way to kill oneself
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
Risk Factors & Causes
There is no single cause for suicidal ideation and attempts, but there are several factors that can put individuals at risk. These factors alone may not be the cause of suicidal behaviors or ideations, but a combination of these may lead to an increase in the possibility of suicide.
Risk factors of suicide include but are not limited to:
- Mental health and substance use disorders
- Physical health conditions
- Previous suicide attempt(s)
- Social isolation
- Financial, criminal, or job problems
- Abuse, neglect, or trauma
- Bullying
- Family history of suicide
- Barriers to healthcare
- Easy access to lethal means
Protective Factors
Protective factors are characteristics that create a barrier between developing negative consequences and can reduce a risk factor’s impact. Protective factors can also be seen as positive opposing events that can be personal or environmental.
To reduce the risk of developing suicidal behaviors or ideations, begin with:
- Access to mental health care
- Being proactive about mental health
- Feeling connected to friends, family, and community support
- Problem-solving and coping skills
- Limited access to lethal means
- Coping and problem-solving skills
Treatment
If you or a loved one is having suicidal ideation or behaviors, know that help is available. Being alone while having these thoughts or behaviors can cause negative consequences. Keeping these thoughts and behaviors about suicide a secret can cause a safety issue and getting help is the way to prevent suicide.
Residential or outpatient mental health services are a regular course of treatment for individuals with suicidal ideation or behaviors. Depending on the diagnosis, a customized treatment plan will be established to best fit your needs.
Diagnostics / Evaluations / Assessments
Our psychiatrists and team will conduct a thorough mental assessment and evaluation to obtain a clear understanding of the current and past situations. The team will then be able to provide a proper diagnosis, which will be used as the foundation of the treatment plan.
Medication Management
Medication is prescribed on an as-needed basis, depending on the diagnosis and symptoms felt. Our Psychiatric team will survey the medications prescribed to determine effectiveness, appropriateness, contraindications, and correct dosage.
Antidepressants, antipsychotic medications, anti-anxiety medications, and other medications can be highly effective when prescribed appropriately. These medications can help reduce the seemingly unbearable symptoms experienced which can lead to less suicidal feelings.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy, also known as “talk therapy”, is a vital treatment to reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors. A one-on-one therapy session will take place to work together to realize obstacles and how to address them. The goal of psychotherapy is to give a better understanding of experiences, needs, and emotions while helping create healthier thought processes and coping mechanisms.
The clinical team at our mental health treatment disorder will develop a comprehensive treatment plan that will make primary therapy the focus. Primary therapy can be combined with small group therapy, evidence-based therapies, and holistic therapies.
Family Support & Education
Family therapy can be used to help improve communication skills and educate family members on triggers, challenges, and prevention strategies. Solara Mental Health instructs family members on how to minimize household stress levels, identify early warning signs of suicidal behaviors or thoughts and break patterns of codependency. With the veteran’s permission, family therapy can be a part of the treatment plan and help everyone in the family learn coping tools.
Suicidal Ideation Treatment for Veterans
Solara Mental Health in San Diego is focused on giving veterans a supportive and safe environment to recover from their suicidal ideation and behaviors. Our mental health treatment facility recognizes that each veteran will have their own personal needs, and we will customize their treatment plan to help with their specific diagnosis and symptoms.
Solara Mental Health is VA contracted as a community care provider, which gives us the unique opportunity to help veterans with their mental health needs, including suicidal ideation treatment. As long as authorization is approved, we provide housing, transportation, and accommodations.
Get Treatment for Suicidal Ideation
At Solara Mental Health in San Diego, CA, our psychiatrists and team will conduct a thorough mental health assessment to obtain a clear understanding of the individual’s past and current situation. Then, the psychiatrist will be able to provide a proper diagnosis and develop a treatment plan that will best fit the patient’s needs. Treatment may include psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both.
If you or a loved one is displaying suicidal behaviors or thoughts, reach out to Solara Mental Health for help. Our team can answer any questions you may have and give you a better understanding of our program.