When people harbor thoughts about committing suicide, the medical term is called Suicidal ideation. This means that the person might have flashes about suicide from time to time. Or they may develop these thoughts into a plan that helps them to take their lives.
According to studies, not everyone with suicidal thoughts ends up taking their lives by suicide. Rather, such people are suffering from mental health problems like depression, anxiety, insomnia, etc.
Not everyone with mental illnesses experiences suicidal ideation, but some of them do. When someone begins to have suicidal thoughts, it is important to seek help before it materializes into reality.
One of the ways to get started is by going through the counseling phase. The beauty of receiving counseling is, it helps you unravel the root cause of anything you’re experiencing.
Therefore, anyone having suicidal ideation needs to first understand the reason, and counseling helps with better clarification.
When you understand why it becomes easier to follow through with any subsequent treatments you will receive.
It is the responsibility of the counselor to create an effective plan that includes coping methods for the patient so that they don’t end up taking their lives. These coping methods will help the patient to resist any urge of self-harm that might come up, especially when they are alone.
Also, counseling helps the individual with suicidal thoughts to be more united with their loved ones.
Most times, people think of committing suicide when they are not on close terms with their family and friends like before.
Some of them might be on bad terms which caused a temporary separation.
Hence, the counselor helps to mend every rift between the patient and their loved ones, so that they can be there for each other.
Additionally, the counselor gives the individual quintessential tips on how to live a healthy life, which reduces the chances of suicidal ideation. These tips include exercising, eating a healthy diet, sleeping regularly, taking enough water, etc.