@ The Dimension Of Mind Dot Com
Should We Talk About Suicide?
One of the scariest things I have ever experienced is to hear someone I love more than my own life speak of death as being OK, at 21 years old. NO! It's not OK! Don't think that way!
I have been doing research on the presence of suicidal ideation among the mentally ill and those suffering from addiction. This is my latest research paper on the subject as of 3/30/2025.
My question.
Within the mental health community, specifically those practices used in addiction and chemical dependency rehabilitation, what is the opinion regarding suicidal ideation. Should it be discussed in a therapy session or is it thought that bringing up the subject of suicide may in the mind of the patient encourage or excuse it?
Miss GROKs response.
In the mental health community, particularly within addiction and chemical dependency rehabilitation, the prevailing view is that suicidal ideation should absolutely be discussed in therapy sessions when it’s relevant to the patient’s experience. The consensus among clinicians, backed by research and best practices, is that addressing suicidal thoughts openly and directly does not encourage or excuse them—rather, it helps reduce the risk by normalizing the conversation and providing support.
Therapists and addiction specialists generally follow evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), or Motivational Interviewing (MI), which emphasize identifying and managing suicidal ideation as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. The fear that discussing suicide might “plant the seed” or worsen it has been largely debunked. Studies, such as those from the American Psychological Association and the National Institute of Mental Health, show that asking about suicidal thoughts doesn’t increase their likelihood—it often relieves shame and isolation, which are major drivers of risk in addiction populations.
In rehab settings, suicidal ideation is common, especially given the overlap between substance use disorders and mental health conditions like depression or trauma. Clinicians are trained to assess it routinely (e.g., through tools like the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale) and explore it without judgment. The idea is to meet the patient where they are—acknowledging the thoughts, understanding their context (like withdrawal, cravings, or relapse triggers), and building coping strategies. Suppressing or avoiding the topic can signal to the patient that it’s taboo, which might amplify their distress or discourage them from seeking help.
That said, there’s nuance. Some practitioners caution that the way it’s brought up matters—randomly introducing suicide in a session without context could confuse or alarm a patient who wasn’t already thinking about it. But if the patient hints at despair, hopelessness, or self-harm (common in addiction recovery), the therapist is encouraged to probe gently and directly: “Have you ever thought about hurting yourself or ending your life?” This opens the door without forcing it.
The broader opinion is clear: discussing suicidal ideation is a critical part of care, not a risk to avoid. It’s seen as a symptom to address, not a Pandora’s box to leave shut.
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