Preferred Acute Hospital for Suicidal Ideation

If you believe that you are in immediate danger of self-harm, you should call a suicide hotline or seek emergency services. If you are seeking treatment for an underlying mental health disorder, you can contact us anytime, 24/7, to begin the process of assessment and admission. 

If someone close to you is actively talking about or planning to harm themselves, urge them to call a suicide hotline or call emergency services yourself. A medical professional is the best person to intervene in the threat of imminent danger. We also gladly accept referrals from healthcare providers. 

If you are the parent or guardian of a minor who is struggling with suicidal ideation and/or other mental health concerns, you may wish to consider inpatient treatment, depending on the severity of symptoms. We are a phone call away and can help you determine the best course of action. 

It may not be as easy as it sounds to spot suicidal ideation. A person who has these thoughts may hesitate to voice them, so it’s OK to ask questions. 

Suicidal ideation is commonly classified as either active or passive.  

Passive suicidal ideation is when a person is thinking about dying but is not actively planning to act on it. They might think or say things like: 

• “I wish I could disappear.”  

• “No one would miss me if I weren’t here.”  

• “Things are never going to get better.”  

• “I want to go to sleep and not wake up.”  

Active suicidal ideation is urgent. This is when the person intends to act on their suicidal thoughts. They may:  

• Research means or methods to end their life  

• Make specific plans, such as setting a time or place  

• Take first steps in the plan, such as buying materials 

• Plan their “goodbyes,” such as writing letters or giving away cherished belongings  

• Withdraw from social contact and want to be left alone 

• Engage in uncharacteristic risky or dangerous behavior 

These examples are not prescriptive, as these experiences look different for everyone. Suicidal ideation is extremely complex. Passive and active suicidal ideation can occur at the same time. Thoughts of suicide may come and go, and the level of intent might vary by the day or even by the hour.  

While suicidal ideation is highly personal, suicide is considered a serious public health issue. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that, in 2022, suicide was: 

• The second-leading cause of death among people ages 10-14 and 25-34 

• The third-leading cause of death among people ages 15-24 

• The fourth-leading cause of death among people ages 35-44 

• The 11th-leading cause of death overall in the U.S., claiming nearly 50,000 lives 

Suicidal ideation does not always mean that someone will attempt to end their life, but it also doesn’t go away on its own. Researchers are trying to understand which “ideators” will most likely go on to attempt suicide. It is hard to make predictions because they vary so much from person to person. 

Any thoughts of suicide should be taken seriously, but 90% of those who have made a suicide attempt go on living and engaging with life, according to NAMI.  

There is no single cause of or warning sign for suicide, which may start with suicidal ideation. It can also happen to someone who does not have a formal diagnosis. It may even be the symptom that brings a mental illness to light. Someone may find themselves thinking about self-harm following significant stressors, unresolved trauma, or severe emotional distress.  

Mental illness is considered a risk factor for suicidal thoughts or attempting suicide. In particular, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders — especially when left unaddressed — increase the risk, according to the American Foundation for the Prevention of Suicide. Their complete list of risk factors is extensive and includes: 

• Depression 

• Substance use disorders 

• Bipolar disorder 

• Schizophrenia 

• Anxiety disorders 

• Serious physical health conditions 

• Traumatic brain injury 

• Environmental factors, such as access to drugs or firearms 

• Exposure to another person’s suicide 

• Family history of suicide 

• Childhood abuse, trauma, or neglect 

Regardless of how or why someone develops symptoms of suicidal ideation, they deserve and need compassionate, immediate, and effective support.  

For adults age 18 and older who live in and around Greenville, North Carolina, an assessment at ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital is a step in the right direction. Patients can begin treatment immediately if our team feels that our hospital is the right fit. If not, we can provide resources for care that best meets the person’s needs. 

Our hospital offers comprehensive treatment for people who are struggling with suicidal ideation. Our dedicated team provides patient-centered care in a supportive environment, helping people heal and develop a more positive outlook for their future. 

Once you complete a thorough assessment, we’ll be able to understand your history and determine the level of care that will best suit you at ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital.  

Our team will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs. Your plan may include: 

• Basic medical care provided by doctors and nurses  

• Medication management services if you are taking any prescription medications  

• Family therapy  

• Group therapy  

• Individual therapy  

• Elements of the 12-Step recovery model, if you are suffering from addiction 

Suicidal ideation can be addressed using modalities like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) in group and individual settings. Our clinicians will adjust your treatment plan as you progress on your healing journey, based on what works best.  

Anyone who is experiencing suicidal ideation can feel hopeless, scared, and out of options. By receiving compassionate, professional support, you can recognize your symptoms, develop strategies for healing, and pursue the healthier life you deserve. 

Whether you seek inpatient or outpatient suicidal ideation treatment, you can learn essential coping skills. With personalized guidance from a team of qualified professionals, you can address your symptoms and protect yourself from future harm. Research shows that our methods can help you change negative thought patterns and behaviors and respond to stress in healthier ways. 

When you pursue healing, you can remember how valuable your life is and why it’s worth fighting for. You’ll meet others who are experiencing similar symptoms in a judgment-free environment, gaining the perspective that you’re not alone.  

You can also benefit from working with the compassionate professionals at ECU Health Behavioral Health Hospital, who will guide you throughout your time in our care and help you build a foundation for a happier, more fulfilling life.