Recognizing the Warning Signs: How Therapy Supports Suicide Prevention
You Don't Have to Wait for a Crisis to Ask for Help
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time set aside to talk openly about a topic many people find difficult to bring up: the warning signs that someone, whether it's you or someone you love, may be struggling more than they're letting on.
Conversations about suicide can feel uncomfortable. Many people worry that asking about it directly will somehow make things worse, or they aren't sure what to say if they notice something feels off. At Chicago Counseling Center, we want to make one thing clear: noticing the signs early, and reaching out for support, can make a meaningful difference.
The information on this page is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, mental health, or legal advice. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7.
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If you or someone you care about is struggling with depression, anxiety, or overwhelming emotional pain, our team is here to help.
Why Awareness Matters
Many people assume that someone considering suicide will show obvious signs of distress. In reality, warning signs are often subtle, and they can look different from person to person.
Some individuals become withdrawn or unusually quiet. Others may seem more at peace than usual after a period of visible struggle, which can be misread as improvement. Still others continue functioning at work or school while privately carrying an enormous amount of pain.
Understanding that there is no single "look" of someone at risk is an important starting point for awareness.
Common Warning Signs to Be Aware Of
While everyone's experience is different, certain patterns are frequently seen in individuals who may be at risk. These can include:
Talking about feeling hopeless, trapped, or like a burden to others
Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities once enjoyed
Noticeable changes in sleep, appetite, or energy
Increased use of alcohol or other substances
Giving away belongings or making final arrangements
Sudden calmness after a period of depression or agitation
Expressing that there is no reason to keep going
Experiencing one of these signs does not automatically mean someone is at risk, and the absence of these signs doesn't mean everything is fine. These are patterns to be aware of, not a checklist for diagnosis.
The Connection Between Depression, Anxiety, and Suicide Risk
Persistent depression, and in some cases severe anxiety, can significantly increase a person's risk of suicidal thinking. Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and being trapped by circumstances are core features of depression that can also contribute to suicidal thoughts.
This doesn't mean everyone with depression or anxiety is at risk. It does mean that ongoing, unaddressed symptoms deserve attention, both from the person experiencing them and from the people who care about them.
At Chicago Counseling Center, our therapists are trained to assess for these risk factors as part of comprehensive care for depression, anxiety, and related conditions.
How to Start the Conversation
Many people avoid asking someone directly about suicidal thoughts out of fear that the question itself could plant an idea. Research and clinical guidance consistently show the opposite: asking directly, calmly, and without judgment does not increase risk, and it can open the door to a conversation that might otherwise never happen.
A simple, direct question such as, "Have you been having thoughts of suicide?" communicates that you are willing to hear the answer, whatever it is. Follow-up listening matters more than having the perfect response. Reflecting what you hear, avoiding arguments about whether their pain is "justified," and helping the person connect with professional support are far more valuable than trying to solve everything in the moment.
What to Do If You're Concerned About Someone
If you believe someone is in immediate danger, do not leave them alone. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or call 911 if there is immediate danger to their safety.
If the concern feels more ongoing than immediate, gently encourage the person to speak with a mental health professional, and offer to help them find one or attend the first appointment with them if that would be supportive. Continued check-ins, without pressure, can also help someone feel less alone.
If You Are the One Struggling
If you have been having thoughts of suicide, please know that reaching out is not a sign of weakness or failure. It is one of the most important steps you can take.
You can call or text 988 at any time, day or night, to speak with a trained crisis counselor. You do not have to explain everything or have the right words. You simply have to reach out.
Beyond crisis support, ongoing therapy can help address the underlying depression, anxiety, or life stressors that may be contributing to these feelings, giving you tools to manage difficult emotions over the long term.
How Therapy Supports Prevention and Recovery
At Chicago Counseling Center, our therapists provide evidence-based treatment for depression, anxiety, and related conditions that can contribute to suicidal thinking. Therapy is not only for moments of crisis. Ongoing treatment can help identify patterns, build coping skills, and address the root causes of emotional pain before it becomes overwhelming.
Treatment often includes a thorough assessment of current symptoms and risk factors, collaborative safety planning when appropriate, and evidence-based approaches for depression and anxiety that focus on building long-term resilience rather than simply managing a single difficult moment.
Why Choose Chicago Counseling Center
Our clinicians take mental health concerns, including suicidal thoughts, seriously and compassionately. We understand how difficult it can be to reach out, whether for yourself or someone you love, and we aim to make that first step feel as approachable as possible.
Whether you are managing ongoing depression, supporting a family member, or simply want to better understand the warning signs, our team is here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does asking someone about suicide make it more likely to happen?
No. Research consistently shows that asking directly and compassionately does not increase risk. It often provides relief to the person struggling and opens the door to support.
What should I do if someone tells me they're having thoughts of suicide?
Take it seriously, stay calm, and help connect them with support, whether that's calling or texting 988 together or helping them reach a mental health professional.
Is suicidal thinking always connected to depression?
Not always, but persistent depression and hopelessness are common contributing factors. A mental health professional can help assess what's driving these thoughts.
How can therapy help with suicide prevention?
Therapy addresses the underlying depression, anxiety, or life circumstances contributing to suicidal thoughts, while also building long-term coping skills and support systems.
Do you offer therapy in Chicago for depression and anxiety?
Yes. Chicago Counseling Center provides evidence-based treatment for depression, anxiety, and related conditions, both in-person in Chicago and via telehealth throughout Illinois.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you're worried about yourself or someone you love, reaching out is always worth it. Support is available, and recovery is possible.
Contact our team to schedule an appointment and learn more about treatment options for depression, anxiety, and emotional well-being.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
References
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. (2024). Risk factors and warning signs. Retrieved from https://afsp.org/risk-factors-and-warning-signs
National Institute of Mental Health. (2024). Suicide prevention. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2024). 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Retrieved from https://988lifeline.org
Disclaimer
The content on this page is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, mental health advice, diagnosis, treatment recommendations, or a substitute for professional care. Reading this content, submitting a contact form, or communicating with Chicago Counseling Center does not establish a therapist-client relationship. If you believe you may be experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, or another mental health condition, consult with a qualified healthcare provider or mental health professional. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency, call 911, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
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