Suicide Ideation Diagnosis and Treatment
Learn more about how J. Flowers Health Institute can help diagnose and treat suicide ideation.
The information presented on this page is an overview of the average evaluation of suicidal ideation and is offered here as a resource. At J. Flowers Health Institute, we understand that suicidal ideation is a deeply personal experience, so our evaluations and treatment plans are customized and tailored to each individual’s needs. We are here to provide truly comprehensive and holistic care to ensure that individuals get the support and care they need.
If you would like to learn more about J. Flowers Health Institute, please do not hesitate to reach out.
We welcome any questions you have: 713.715.1618.
If you are experiencing dangerous suicidal thoughts, please dial 911 or 988 immediately. This link also provides multiple other resources that can provide support and information for those who need them. There is no shame in reaching out for help.
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Art Therapy
Comprehensive Care for Suicidal Ideation at J. Flowers Health Institute
At J. Flowers Health Institute, we understand the severe implications of suicidal ideation on a person’s life.
With the guidance of Dr. James S. Flowers and our team of mental health specialists, we provide robust support to recognize the warning signs of suicidal ideation and offer professional, compassionate treatment.

Discovering Hope with J. Flowers Health Institute
We use comprehensive assessments to identify the possible triggers and underlying causes of your suicidal thoughts, enabling us to formulate a personalized treatment plan.
What is Suicide Ideation?
Suicide ideation, also known as suicidal thoughts, refers to the contemplation of ending one’s own life. It is not a condition in itself, but rather a symptom of other underlying issues, often related to mental health. These thoughts can range from fleeting considerations to detailed plans.
A Closer Look at Suicidal Ideation
Suicide Ideation Scale
Types of Suicidal Ideation
Passive Suicidal Ideation: Passive suicide ideation refers to thoughts about death or a desire to die but without any plans to act on these thoughts. For example, you might wish you wouldn’t wake up in the morning or have thoughts like “I’d be better off dead.”
Active Suicidal Ideation: Active suicide ideation, on the other hand, involves not just thoughts about dying but also planning or intending to end one’s life. This could involve thinking about methods to commit suicide or making plans to do so.
How Common Is Suicide Ideation?
If you or a loved one are struggling with suicidal ideation, it’s important that you reach out to a medical professional right away or call the suicide hotline at 1-800-273-8255.4 Know that our J. Flowers Health Institute team of compassionate experts are here to help.
Suicidal Thoughts vs. Suicidal Ideation
Causes and Risk Factors for Suicidal Ideation
Common Causes of Suicide Ideation
Genetics
Physical Factors
Physical factors, particularly those related to mental health disorders, are significant contributors to suicide ideation.
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Anxiety disorders
Environmental Factors
- Access to lethal means
- A history of trauma or abuse
- Prolonged stress
- Isolation or a feeling of being cut off from other people
Suicide Ideation Risk Factors
- Previous attempts
- Going through a difficult life event that causes stress
- Feelings of isolation or hopelessness
- An undiagnosed or underlying mental health disorder
- Having access to a firearm while contemplating suicide
- Family history of substance use disorders, mental health disorders, suicide, violence, or abuse
- Being a part of the LGBTQ+ community, especially if they live in a hostile environment
Complications

Signs and Symptoms of Suicide Ideation
Behavioral Symptoms
A person might do something such as collect pills or buy a gun if they struggle with active suicide ideation.
Physical Symptoms
- A sudden loss of energy
- Frequent headaches or stomach aches
- A change in appetite and weight
Cognitive Symptoms
Psychosocial Symptoms
Psychosocial symptoms involve changes in a person’s social behavior and emotions.
Suicide Ideation Diagnosis
Suicide Ideation Assessment
Children and Teenagers
Children
Teenagers
- Wanting to die or kill themselves
- Feeling hopeless
- Feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
If your child is struggling with depression or expressing desires to harm themselves, it’s best to seek professional help.7 At J. Flowers Health Institute, we have comprehensive diagnostic assessment and treatment programs geared toward the unique needs of struggling adolescents.

Suicide Ideation Treatment
Due to the severe nature of suicide ideation, doctors make sure to help in any way possible. Often, this leads to a joint program that uses both medication and therapy.
Psychotherapy Interventions for Suicide Ideation
Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is often the first line of treatment for suicide ideation. This type of therapy is used to explore the root cause and understand why someone might be feeling suicidal.
- Build coping skills
- Manage triggers
- Develop a safety plan
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps you understand your thought patterns. The goal is to change negative thinking that might lead to suicide ideation. This kind of therapy can give you the tools to recognize when you’re beginning to have harmful thoughts.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Cope with stress
- Manage your emotions
- Improve your relationships with others
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
IPT is based on the idea that improving your relationships and social functioning can help reduce your symptoms of depression and, as a result, reduce thoughts of suicide.
- Resolving conflicts with others
- Improving social skills
- Increasing social support
The focus on relationships can help you feel better understood and less alone, which can be an important part of reducing suicide ideation.
Pharmacological Treatment for Suicide Ideation
While there is no single medication specifically approved to treat suicide ideation, some medications may help reduce your symptoms of depression or anxiety that can lead to suicidal thoughts.
Antidepressants
Other Medications
Other types include mood stabilizers, which are often used for bipolar disorder, and antipsychotic medications, used for conditions where thoughts are disconnected from reality.

Treatment Program at J. Flowers Health Institute
Comprehensive Diagnostic Evaluation
Personalized Treatment Plan
Ongoing Support
A Holistic Approach to Treatment
At J. Flowers Health Institute, we believe in a holistic approach to treatment, addressing the mind, body, and spirit. We work to not only manage the symptoms but to find and treat the root cause, providing you with the tools and strategies you need to live a happier, healthier life.
Contact J. Flowers Health Institute Today
If you or a loved one is struggling with suicide ideation, don’t hesitate to reach out to J. Flowers Health Institute today. Our dedicated team is ready to provide compassionate care and professional help when you need it the most.
Resources
- https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/suicidal-ideation
- https://www.medicinenet.com/what_is_a_suicidal_ideation_scale/article.htm
- https://www.who.int/teams/mental-health-and-substance-use/data-research/suicide-data
- https://www.verywellmind.com/suicide-rates-overstated-in-people-with-depression-2330503
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/suicide/symptoms-causes/syc-20378048
- https://www.verywellmind.com/suicidal-ideation-380609
- https://www.verywellmind.com/suicidal-thoughts-and-depression-in-children-1066661