The term ‘Suicidality’ refers to ideation, thoughts, planning, gestures and attempts of suicide, and very sadly for some, the finite act of taking their own life. It is not a mental health disorder of its own accord, but rather it is considered a symptom of and associated with other mental health conditions and difficult circumstances.

It is estimated that in the UK, a person takes their own life every two-hours, and twenty-times as many attempt suicide. Whilst rates of suicide overall have decreased in the last few years, it continues to be the leading cause of death in young people aged between 20-34 years old, and the leading cause of death in men under 50-years old in the UK. Research shows that three-times as many men will die from suicide compared to women, and it is suggested that socio-cultural influences such as stigma and gender-related expectations continue to prevent men from accessing help.

Some mental health conditions associated with Suicidality include:

• Abuse and Trauma
• Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
• Depression
• Personality Disorders
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Self-Harm

Treatment for Suicidality

Many people wait a long time before seeking help for Suicidality, but it is best not to delay. You are not alone. The sooner you seek professional help, the sooner you can be on your way to recovery and building a life worth living. If you think you may be at risk of suicidality, it is important that you have a specialist assessment and access urgent help.

Depending on your individual needs, a combination of anti-depressant medication and psychological therapy has been shown to be most effective in the treatment of Suicidality. Here at Sanctum we can support you psychologically, however a referral to a psychiatrist may be necessary to seek pharmacological support such as antidepressant medication. We can aid you in finding a suitable psychiatrist for your needs.

Some of the evidence-based treatments we can offer include:

• Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
• Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
• Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT)

We’re here to help. If you would like to access support and treatment for your experience of Suicidality at Sanctum, please contact us to arrange an assessment.