September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a vital opportunity to discuss the often-overlooked subject of suicide among women. While men die of suicide more often than women, women are more likely to attempt ending their lives. Understanding the signs of suicidal ideation, the differences between active and passive suicidal motivations and knowing how to seek help can be lifesaving.
Understanding Suicidal Ideation in Women
Gender is one of several factors that can influence how suicidal ideation manifests. Signs that a woman is at higher risk of suicide may include the following.
- Verbal hints: Frequently mentioning death, saying things like “I wish I wasn’t here” or “Nothing matters.”
- Social withdrawal: Pulling away from friends and family, self-isolation, and losing interest in hobbies.
- Changes in behavior: Increased substance use, reckless behavior, or sudden peace after a period of depression.
- Expressing feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness: Articulating severe or unrelenting barriers to happiness or talking about unbearable pain.
Active vs. Passive Suicidal Ideation
Understanding the difference between active and passive suicidal thoughts is crucial. Though they have varying levels of urgency and risk, both are serious signs of distress.
- Active suicidal motivation is a direct and firm intention to end your life, often accompanied by a concrete plan. Active ideation might include acquiring the means to carry out suicide, such as hoarding pills or purchasing a weapon.
- Passive suicidal motivation involves wishing for death without taking steps to make it happen. For example, it can manifest as a desire to die in your sleep or get in an accident, reflecting a lack of enjoyment in life or a desire to escape pain without the deliberate intention to act on these thoughts.
Getting Treatment
Recognizing these signs and motivations in yourself or a loved one can be alarming, but there are several avenues for help.
- Speak up: Expressing a desire to end your life can be challenging, but honesty is critical.
- Professional help: Therapists and psychiatrists can offer treatment to address the underlying causes of suicidal ideation.
- Support networks: Friends, family, or group therapy can provide emotional comfort and a sense of belonging, alleviating the isolation that often accompanies suicidal thoughts.
- Crisis services: If you are in a mental health crisis, call or text 988 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to connect with professionals near you.
- Ongoing care: If you have chronic mental health issues or are recovering from a substance abuse disorder, ongoing care and regular check-ins with mental health professionals can manage stressors that may trigger suicidal ideation.
Find Your Solution Here
Suicide prevention is an ongoing effort that requires awareness, intervention and compassionate support. Let National Suicide Prevention Month inspire you to explore the nuanced ways in which women experience and express suicidal thoughts and encourage the people in your life to be honest about their mental health challenges.
Rising Roads Recovery provides a judgment-free, single-gender environment where women can address their mental health challenges openly and safely. If you struggle with thoughts of ending your life, reach out today to request help.
