Suicidal Thoughts or Ideation

This is an issue that should concern most spouses and friends of the veteran.

When the veteran is experiencing a severe bout of depression and sadness, which can be most of the time if the symptom goes unchecked, the spouse or friend of the vet must pay close attention and listen to his/her words. This is when the vet could be thinking it's just not worth it. I know, since I have had this thought cross my mind at times.

There is nothing more important than getting the needed help if or when the crisis reaches this stage. This is when you must convince the vet to go to the ER room, go to a councilor, go to a professional and speak up on what's in their mind, before it's too late. Just about any issue that is or is conceived as traumatic to the vet can trigger suicidal thoughts. It doesn't matter if the vet has or does not have a planned action of suicide, just the thought of it can do as much harm. The ideation, or idea, of doing harm to himself/herself or even to others is very dangerous to mull over.

It can start, while experiencing depression, with a simple thought of "maybe it would be better if I just never wake up tomorrow, then it will be over". Maybe the vet is thinking of quick ways to ending the pain. Just because the vet doesn't believe he/she will follow through with these thoughts is not enough, the thought is just the prelude to the action. Something is wrong for anyone, a vet or a person, to be having these thoughts. The problem is if there is no one to talk to, no one to listen, how will the vet/person be convinced he/she needs help now?

This is the symptom that requires the most immediate actions be taken. At the VA Hospital, we have the crisis unit for these types of emergencies. You can walk in anytime during the day, no appointment necessary. Of course more direct steps are taken once you do walk in, but they are for your own good and safety of yourself and others. No, they do not lock you up and throw away the key. You are restricted to the waiting room inside the unit itself until you speak to whomever you need to speak to, a PA, a social worker, a psychiatrist, but someone is there to listen and act.

If suicidal indeation is secondary to a traumatic experience, correct diagnosis is critical so that intervention and support can be provided. Medication, or the adjustment of the medication dosage can be very helpful, and may be all that is needed for treating the mood, which most of the time precipitates the suicidal thought. At times, brief hospitalization may be needed and may be the safest choice.

Remember, suicidal thoughts/ideation can follow a traumatic event (a death, an accident, a fire, a mugging, hurricanes, tornado, anything that is conceived or real that is life threatening to the vet), an anniversary of a traumatic event, after a time of loss, when you are experiencing chronic pain (pain over a long period of time) or during other times of severe stress, so do not think just of what is happening right now to make a judgement call for help.

Suicidal behavior is when an individual acts upon suicidal ideation. The level of the attempt may be very dangerous to the vet, lethal, or a cry for help. Unfortunately, most of the time, this cry for help goes unnoticed.

Not only should the vet pay attention to his/her thoughts and actions, but the spouse or friends of the vet must be able to spot this as well. If you know that your vet has been having a really bad time of things lately, you need a plan of action to follow. This safety plan could be as simple as having a list of phone numbers to call for help. Clinical professionals can help you formulate this safety plan. It is not restricted to the vet itself, they will listen and help you as well. Remember, whatever the vet is going through will effect you as well. He/she is not the only one that needs to be aware of suicidal ideation. The stress caused by your vet onto yourself could be just as dangerous to you as to himself/herself.The fear, stress, anxiety and panic that is associated with suicidal ideation is just as dangerous as the thought itself, to all concerned.

Write this phone number down, for the sake of your vet, and for your own use if needed:

Call the Suicide help line, even if it is just to talk to someone about your concerns. It is

1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Keep it handy and use it if needed, never think it is a waste of someone's time. It's not like 911, if your wrong they do not care and will let you know. If your right, you may just save a life. Let them make the decision that matters.

And if you can't remember the number, or if there is no time to call and speak with someone, just call 911 itself.

If you do not get anything out of this blog other than this, please, please, remember these two important numbers.............

1-800-273-TALK(8255) or 911