The Truth About Suicidal Ideation: A Call for Change, Not an End
- Sasha Javadpour
- Apr 3
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 3
Suicidal thoughts can be deeply distressing, often emerging from overwhelming emotional pain, depression, anxiety, trauma, or a sense of hopelessness. It is important to know that you are not alone—many people experience such thoughts at some point in their lives. Having suicidal thoughts does not define you. It does not mean you are weak for having those thoughts, nor does it mean there is no way forward.
If you've ever had suicidal thoughts, you might not actually want to die—chances are, you just can’t see another way out. Suicidal ideation isn’t always about wanting life to end; more often than not, it’s about a desperate need for something to change. When every option feels exhausted, when the weight of existence in the current state becomes unbearable, suicide can seem like the only escape – a relief from the pressures that life is bearing upon you.
But what if these thoughts aren’t a call for death but a plea for transformation? What if, instead of an ending, they signal the need for a new beginning?
In this article, we explore what suicidal ideation really means, why it happens, and—most importantly—what can help. If you're struggling, know this: You don’t have to go through it alone. Help is available, and there is another way forward.
Content:
What Is Suicidal Ideation?
Suicidal ideation refers to thoughts, considerations, or preoccupations with ending one's own life. These thoughts can range from fleeting considerations to detailed planning. It's important to understand that experiencing suicidal thoughts does not necessarily mean an individual will act on them, but they do indicate significant distress that requires attention.
Suicidal thoughts often stem from a complex interplay of factors, including:
Mental Health Conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia are commonly linked to suicidal ideation.
Substance Abuse can impair judgment and exacerbate existing mental health issues, increasing suicide risk (addiction can elicit feelings of shame and powerlessness).
Trauma can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair.
Chronic Illness and Unrelenting Pain can diminish quality of life and contribute to suicidal thoughts.
Major Life Changes such as the loss of a loved one, financial hardships, or relationship breakdowns can trigger unbearable emotional distress.
The belief that you are a burden to your loved ones by being alive. The reality is that you would do significantly more damage to loved ones if you do commit suicide. Suicide typically results in profound trauma for those left behind. Many seek therapy due to the deep distress caused by the suicide of someone close to them.
The Deeper Message of Suicidal Ideation: A Call for Change, Not an End
Suicidal ideation is often less about wanting to die and more about wanting relief from unbearable emotional pain. Beneath the surface, it reflects a deep yearning for escape, rest, or transformation when life feels intolerable. The underlying need is not for nonexistence but for an end to suffering—whether that suffering comes from relentless pressure, pain, desperation, loneliness, shame, or a sense of meaninglessness.
At its core, suicidal thoughts come from a profound desire for change. Rather than a desire for death, these thoughts often express a need for connection, understanding, and a life that feels worth living.
Freud’s concept of the death drive (Thanatos) offers another perspective, suggesting that part of the human psyche is drawn to destruction, stillness, or dissolution. This can manifest in self-sabotage, reckless behaviour, or, in extreme cases, suicidal ideation. But the death drive isn’t just about annihilation—it can also be understood as a yearning to break free from old patterns, roles, or identities that no longer serve us. When someone experiences suicidal thoughts, it may be their mind’s way of saying, "Something must change". The challenge, then, is not to silence these thoughts but to listen to what they are truly asking for: not death, but a different way of living.
How Therapy Can Help And What To Expect
Seeking help for suicidal ideation does not mean automatic institutionalization or hospitalization unless there is an immediate danger to your life.
Therapy is about collaboration and empowerment, not coercion - your therapist is not going to try to convince you of anything. Therapy provides a safe and supportive space to explore the thoughts and emotions surrounding and underlying the suicidal ideation.
Your Hirsch Therapist can help you with the following:
Understand the emotions and triggers behind these thoughts.
Develop coping strategies to manage distress.
Find healthier ways to process pain and suffering.
Identify sources of support in your life.
Explore new perspectives and rediscover meaning.
Your therapist is not there to take control of your life or force decisions on you. Instead, they will guide and support you in creating a plan that helps you feel safer and more in control.
Healing isn’t about erasing pain but about finding ways to move forward with meaning. Even when the path ahead feels unclear, therapy can help you discover new possibilities.
Life is suffering. It is our moral duty to find meaning in that suffering, to do good despite the suffering, and maybe we can make this wretched world a little bit better.
You Deserve Support, And You Have Options
Suicidal thoughts can be overwhelming, but they don’t define you. Help is available, and seeking support is a courageous step toward clarity and relief. Individual Therapy provides a space where you can speak openly, make sense of your pain, and regain control over your choices.
If you’re considering therapy, I offer a free 15-minute online consultation to help you decide if we are the right fit for you. You don’t have to have all the answers right now—what matters is taking the next step.
If you are in crisis, Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) at 1767 offers 24/7 support.
You are not powerless in this. You always have the choice to pause, reach out, and explore other possibilities.
Your life matters, and support is within your reach.
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