Skip to main content
  • Patient Portal
  • Pay Bill
  • Request Appointment
MCHS_Logo_2024_BLACK
    • Services

      Featured Services

      • Cardiology (Heart)
      • Gastroenterology & Hepatology (Digestive Care)
      • Neurosurgery
      • Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB-GYN)
      • Oncology (Cancer)
      • Orthopedics & Orthopedic Surgery (Bones)
      • Primary Care
      • Spine Care
      • Sports Medicine
      • Surgery
      • Urology

      View all services
    • Providers
    • Locations

      Minnesota

      • Albert Lea
      • Austin
      • Belle Plaine
      • Blooming Prairie
      • Butterfield
      • Caledonia
      • Cannon Falls
      • Fairmont
      • Faribault
      • Lake City
      • Lake Crystal
      • Mankato
      • Montgomery
      • New Prague
      • Northfield
      • Owatonna
      • Plainview
      • Red Wing
      • Sherburn
      • St. James
      • St. Peter
      • Waseca
      • Waterville
      • Wells
      • Zumbrota

      Wisconsin

      • Arcadia
      • Barron
      • Bloomer
      • Chetek
      • Chippewa Falls
      • Eau Claire
      • Ellsworth
      • Glenwood City
      • Holmen
      • La Crosse
      • Menomonie
      • Mondovi
      • Onalaska
      • Osseo
      • Prairie du Chien
      • Rice Lake
      • Sparta
      • Tomah

      View map
    • Classes/Events
    • Blog
    • Wellness
    • Referrals
    Posted By
    Angela Thoreson, L.I.C.S.W.

    Angela Thoreson, L.I.C.S.W.

    Psychiatry & Psychology

    Recent Posts

    • Volunteers picking up trash
      Speaking of Health
      Helping people, changing lives: 3 health benefits of volunteering
      August 01, 2023
    Featured Topics
    • Behavioral Health
    • Cancer
    • Children's Health (Pediatrics)
    • Exercise and Fitness
    • Heart Health
    • Men's Health
    • Neurosurgery
    • Obstetrics and Gynecology
    • Orthopedic Health
    • Weight-loss (Bariatric) Surgery
    • Women's Health
    Join our email newsletter
    Speaking of Health
    Thursday, November 18, 2021

    Suicide isn't always about dying, it may be about perceived relief

    Topics in this Post
    • Suicide Prevention
    • Balance Your Mental and Emotional Health
    • Behavioral Health
    Hand on back comforting

    "I don't want to die. I just don't want to live."

    This statement represents many conversations between mental health professionals and patients contemplating suicide. As a care provider, loved one, parent or friend, hearing this statement is terrifying. But it could be viewed as a sign of hope. Your loved ones may not want to die. They may just want relief.

    Many times, people considering suicide view it as a way to end the emotional or physical pain they are experiencing, or resolve stressful life experiences. Keys to help loved ones is to remind them that suicide is a permanent solution to persistent challenges, there are many alternatives to alleviate the suffering they are experiencing and you are there to support them.

    To understand this feeling, think of a time when you felt overwhelmed by a situation, feeling or sensation. You may not have been able to think, communicate or see clearly, depending on the circumstances. In this way, the symptoms of depression, physical illnesses and devastating life stresses block out the person's ability to experience joy, pleasure or even find steps to end the pain.

    Follow these tips to help loved ones who are experiencing a mental health crisis:

    • Educate yourself and others about the many treatments available to reduce and eliminate symptoms that increase risk of suicide. Read about the signs and symptoms of suicide.
    • Ask uncomfortable but direct questions such as, "Are you thinking about suicide" or "Are you thinking about hurting yourself?" Asking about suicidal thoughts or feelings won't push someone into doing something self-destructive. Offering an opportunity to talk about feelings can reduce the risk of acting on suicidal feelings.
    • Persuade your loved one to let you get help. You cannot demand that he or she get help, but you can ask, "Will you go with me to get help?" If this doesn't work, call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
    • Refer to the appropriate resources in your area. This could be the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, a local crisis center, a local mental health professional or hospital emergency department. Ideally, you would escort your loved one to the appropriate resource.

    If someone says he or she is thinking of suicide or behaves in a way that makes you think the person may be suicidal, don't play it down or ignore the situation. Many people who kill themselves have expressed the intention at some point.

    You may worry that you're overreacting, but the safety of your friend or loved one is most important. Don't worry about straining your relationship when someone's life is at stake. Call 911 if your loved one is at imminent risk and refusing help.

    When health care professionals, friends or family know about someone with suicidal thoughts, they can act. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, reach out and ask for help. There is hope.

    Angela Thoreson is a licensed independent clinical social worker in Psychiatry & Psychology in Austin, Minnesota.

    Topics in this Post
    • Suicide Prevention
    • Balance Your Mental and Emotional Health
    • Behavioral Health

    Related Posts

    Looking out a window with a mild expression Identifying signs of anxiety and depression
    Youth with red streak in dark hair 5 things you need to know about mental health and girls
    College student wearing glasses and backpack College students and depression: A guide for parents
    Mayo Clinic Health System
    About Us
    Careers
    Volunteer
    Donate
    Contact Us
    Patient Care
    Patients & Visitors
    Classes & Events
    Mayo Clinic Connect
    Mayo Clinic
    Resources
    For Medical Professionals
    Community Resources
    Financial Assistance
    Price Transparency
    Press Room
    Compliance
    Notice of Nondiscrimination
    Notice of Privacy Practices
    No Surprises Act
    Terms of Use
    Manage Cookie
    Privacy Policy
    © 2018 - 2025 Mayo Clinic Health System