Using EMDR Therapy to Cope with Suicidal Feelings
Living with the weight of suicidal feelings can be an overwhelming and isolating experience, impacting daily routines, relationships, and overall quality of life. In the past decade, suicide rates in the United States have skyrocketed and continue to rise, especially among younger and minority populations. In 2021, the US witnessed over 48,000 suicide deaths, averaging roughly one death every eleven minutes with a 2.6% increase in that tragic statistic in 2022, according to suicide statistics published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, seeking help and finding ways to cope with suicidal feelings is not as simple as making a call, though an excellent first step.
One powerful method of treatment that can be utilized in the process of managing suicidal ideations is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, a transformative approach that goes beyond traditional talk therapy. In this blog, we'll explore how EMDR therapy can provide guidance and hope for those coping with suicidal thoughts and the associated struggles, as well as dispelling common fallacies that may prevent those in need from seeking the help and support they deserve.
EMDR THERAPY: AN OVERVIEW
EMDR therapy, developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1987, is a revolutionary approach designed to help individuals process traumatic memories and alleviate their emotional intensity. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR engages the brain's natural healing processes, allowing individuals to reorganize their memories in a more adaptive way, with long-lasting implications. By using bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or rhythmic tapping, EMDR therapy facilitates the reprocessing of traumatic events, offering a unique path to healing. It is a trusted and effective therapy modality with many years of research and development behind it, ensuring patient safety and the least amount of emotional upset as possible .
UNDERSTANDING SUICIDAL IDEATION
Suicidal ideation is more than a fleeting thought—it's a profound and painful struggle that can affect every aspect of life of an individual’s life. At its core, suicidal ideation (whether active or passive) involves persistent thoughts, fantasies, or urges related to self-harm or ending one's life. These thoughts are not indicative of a character flaw or personal failing but rather signal an extreme level of emotional distress that feels permanent and insurmountable to the sufferers.
For those grappling with suicidal ideation, the accompanying mental health struggles can further intensify the difficulty of the experience, creating a complex web of conditions in need of untangling before true healing can occur. Conditions such as depression, characterized by persistent feelings of desolation and hopelessness, can exacerbate the sense of despair while anxiety, with its pervasive and overwhelming worry, can compound the emotional burden. In addition, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may be intricately woven into the fabric of these issues, with unresolved traumatic memories contributing to the overall struggle and unremitting sense of hopelessness.
THE ROLE OF EMDR IN COPING WITH SUICIDAL THOUGHTS
An in-depth analysis reveals the acute effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy as a potent tool for individuals grappling with suicidal thoughts. This therapeutic approach not only serves to alleviate symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including anxiety and depression, but, crucially, it delves into the core issue at hand — the unresolved trauma that often underlies these distressing thoughts. At the heart of EMDR therapy lies the adaptive information processing model (AIP) — a guiding principle that allows the reprocessing of disturbing memories. Unprocessed traumatic events often linger in the mind, resurfacing as nightmares, flashbacks, and overwhelming emotions. EMDR seeks to disrupt this cycle by facilitating the reprocessing of traumatic memories by leveraging bilateral stimulation, typically through eye movements or rhythmic tapping. This technique activates the brain's innate ability to process information, allowing it to adaptively reorganize memories. As a result, individuals can confront and navigate distressing memories without being overwhelmed by the intense emotional reactions characteristic of post-traumatic stress.
Contrary to common misconceptions, EMDR therapy does not serve as a catalyst for triggering suicidal thoughts. On the contrary, empirical research demonstrates its capacity to actively reduce suicidal ideation rather than increase suicidal risk. This therapeutic intervention empowers individuals by providing them with the tools to effectively manage their mental health symptoms in a safe and controlled environment.
It is important to dispel the myth that EMDR therapy may induce or exacerbate suicidal thoughts. On the contrary, research consistently highlights its capacity to enhance self-efficacy and equip individuals with the means to effectively reduce the severity of suicidal feelings and manage their mental health. By addressing the root cause—the unprocessed trauma—EMDR therapy stands as a beacon of hope for those navigating the challenging terrain of suicidal thoughts, offering a path towards healing, resilience, and renewed well-being.
THE EMPOWERING JOURNEY OF HEALING
In conclusion, EMDR therapy emerges as a motivating force for those grappling with suicidal feelings and the aftermath of trauma. This transformative approach, provided by Freedom Counseling Group, can empower individuals to reprocess traumatic memories, reduce symptoms of mental health conditions, and regain control of their lives. We encourage readers who resonate with this experience to seek help, emphasizing that treatments like EMDR therapy can offer hope and healing.
At Freedom Counseling Group, our range of services, including EMDR therapy, EMDR intensives, traditional talk therapy, and equine therapy, is tailored to individual needs. We also provide couples and family counseling, addressing a spectrum of mental health concerns. If you or a loved one is dealing with suicidal feelings, reach out to us to speak with a qualified and compassionate therapist, ready to provide the support you need. Your well-deserved journey toward healing and freedom begins with the first step—seeking help.
Remember, you are not alone, and there is support available. If you or someone you know is currently in a state of emotional crisis and/or at imminent risk, click on the direct service links below to be taken to dedicated crisis services.
988 Suicide & Lifeline: Call or Text 988 (1-800-273-8255 will continue to remain available)
Crisis Text Line: Text "HELLO" to 741741
Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 then Press 1 (text and online chat also available)
The Trevor Project: Confidential support for LGBTQ youth in crisis (phone, text and online chat service available)
If you or a loved one is dealing with PTSD, depression, anxiety, relationship concerns or other trauma-related issues, Freedom Counseling Group can help. Fill out our online form or call to get matched with a licensed therapist and schedule your free phone consultation today. Please note that we can only provide therapy services to those in California or Texas at this time – both in-person and virtual services are available.
