What You Need to Know About Suicidal Ideation with Dr. Chase Anderson

On this week’s episode on The Squeeze, Kevin Hines, a survivor after jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge, came on to chat about his journey with bipolar disorder and suicidal ideation. In preparation for this emotional episode, we sat down with psychiatrist Dr. Chase Anderson to chat about suicide, so we can provide some information on the topic in hopes that it may help our listeners.

1. By definition, what is suicidal ideation?

Suicidal ideation comes in many different forms but generally it is the wish to not to die or live anymore. There are two forms of suicidal ideation, active and passive. Active suicidal ideation is the intent or having active plans to pass away, while passive suicidal ideation is the feeling of not caring whether or not you were to pass away or not wake up tomorrow. 

2. What are warning signs someone may be suicidal?

Some things to look for or take note of are big changes in mood, excess or increased irritability, being withdrawn from peers, being more tearful than usual, large changes in patterns in behavior (such as not attending events or outings they normally would), and comments about not being around much longer. Some other things to look out for are big life changing events such as financial hardships or the recent loss of a loved one.

3. What questions should you ask someone if you are suspicious they may be suicidal?

It is important to ask yourself before the conversation, what is making you worried about that person? Then approach the conversation by leading with what you have noticed that has you concerned and ask if there is something going on that they would like to talk about. Remind them that you are a safe place/person to go to, and ask them directly if they have intentions of suicide or self-harm. 

4. What should you do if someone tells you they are thinking about suicide?

If someone tells you they are thinking about suicide, start by taking a deep breath, then remind the person you are there for them. Evaluate how safe you believe they are in their current situation, and remember that there are people living with suicidal ideation everyday. If you feel they are safe, talk out a safety plan with them and, if they do not already have a therapist, offer to help them find one. If someone does not seem to be safe, it is then time to think about how to get them to an emergency room. You can also always call 988 (the suicide and crisis lifeline). Remember you do not need to worry alone…ask them who else knows and incorporate other trusted individuals in their safety plan.

5. What are some short term and long term ways we can support those?

The first thing to think about is what they need in terms of checking in. Ask what ways in which they would like you to check in on them, as this reminds them that you are a safe place and you are going to help them in their journey of navigating this. Long term, it is important to make sure they have a therapist or psychiatrist to assist them through this journey as well. 

6. Do things like depression, alcohol, drug use or previous suicide attempt increase the risk for suicide?

Yes, those are all things that increase the risk. In addition, genetic predisposition and societal factors also play a huge role.

7. What do you wish people knew about living with chronic suicidal thoughts but no one’s ever asked?

“What is it like to live with constant suicidal ideation?” It is important to ask people what it is like for them because it’s very different for each individual. 

We want to thank Dr. Chase Anderson for being so open and helpful to us by answering our questions about such a delicate topic. We know this may be a triggering topic for many, but we hope you find this content to be insightful, educational, and helpful for whoever may need it.