TeenHealthFX - Answers - Think About Suicide, But Don't Feel I'm In An Immediate Crisis

Suicide / Question
Published: April 23, 2008

Dear TeenHealthFX,

I sometimes feel really depressed for no reason and decide that I'm going to kill myself. I think about it (usually until that night), and then decide against suicide. But I've been thinking abot killing myself even more lately but I haven't felt the ussually accompanying depression, and so I'm afraid that I may actually commit suicide, but do not feel I am in an immediate crisis. What should I do?

Signed: Think About Suicide, But Don't Feel I'm In An Immediate Crisis

Dear Think About Suicide, But Don't Feel I'm In An Immediate Crisis,

Many people who attempt suicidal do so when they are coming out of a depressive episode, not while they are in the middle of one. This is because these people often do not have the energy to go through with suicide during a depressive episode, but rather have that energy when coming out of one. That said, TeenHealthFX is definitely concerned about where you are at right now and thinks that you need to seek out help for yourself immediately.

There are basically two different levels when it comes to feeling suicidal – passive and active suicidality. A person who is actively suicidal has intent to harm themselves and a specific plan of how and when they will kill themselves. If you find that you are feeling actively suicidal, call 9-1-1 or have a trusted adult accompany you to your local emergency room immediately. It is important in a situation like this that you are in a safe environment with adults around you, and that a mental health professional assess you to ensure your immediate safety and to develop a more long-term plan that will address whatever underlying issues are contributing to your suicidal thoughts and plans.

A person who has no plan or intention with following through on harming themselves, but who is experiencing thoughts of wishing to be dead, is referred to as being passively suicidal. If you are experiencing these types of thoughts or feelings it is important to talk to a trusted adult (parents, teachers, school counselors, etc.) as soon as possible so that arrangements can be made for you to have a consultation with a therapist and/or psychiatrist. A qualified mental health professional can assess what is contributing to these thoughts and feelings, and can work with you on developing a treatment plan based on his/her assessment. If at any point these passive thoughts turn more into intent to actually harm, follow the directions above in terms of calling 9-1-1 or going to your local ER immediately.

If you live in northern New Jersey and need help finding a therapist you can call the Access Center from Atlantic Behavioral Health at 973-247-1400. Outside of this area you can log onto the US Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website for referrals in your area. You can also contact your insurance company to get a list of in-network mental health providers.

If you get to the point that you are seriously considering suicide or are afraid of your impulses then you need to seek help immediately. You can call 911 or go to your nearest hospital emergency room. In northern New Jersey you can also call the crisis hotline from Morristown Memorial hospital at 973-540-0100. Outside this area call the Suicide & Crisis Hotline, 1-800-999-9999, 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Signed: TeenHealthFX