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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Angel Girl on July 9, 2002, at 14:58:11
How honest are you with your family and friends about your suicide ideation, plans, attempts?
Do you tell them you're suicidal when they ask???
Angel Girl
Posted by Penny on July 9, 2002, at 18:20:53
In reply to Suicide and honesty, posted by Angel Girl on July 9, 2002, at 14:58:11
I used to be honest with them all about my suicidal ideations. But not anymore. Because they're scared of what I might do and I guess I feel it's better to just not tell them more than they can handle. And in my experience, among my friends and family, they can't handle being told that I'm thinking of killing myself. I've learned to become somewhat of an actress. But I am honest with my therapist and my pdoc...
Penny
Posted by shar on July 9, 2002, at 23:09:54
In reply to Suicide and honesty, posted by Angel Girl on July 9, 2002, at 14:58:11
> How honest are you with your family and friends about your suicide ideation, plans, attempts?
>More honest than not, but it depends on who I'm talking to. I've been more open in the past when it was less of an option for me, because I could always say "it's a personal taboo and I'd never do it."
Now, after 30 years of looking out upon a desolate, barren horizon, and living a life full of anhedonia, depression, anxiety and often terror...well it's more of an option.
I do, however, have a verbal contract in place with my T that I'm here to stay until February. But, I'm not going to be as open as I used to be with her, either.
This is one situation where honesty doesn't pay. You can be put away for observation against your will in some places for talking about committing suicide.
Shar
Posted by homewood on July 10, 2002, at 7:17:43
In reply to Re: Suicide and honesty, posted by shar on July 9, 2002, at 23:09:54
I have the same type of verbal promise with my therapist, and have only spoken about it to two female friends(strangely enough, this does not include my wife). I feel that being 'honest' and telling more people of my ideations would place me at greater risk because i couldn't deal with all the prying (although admittedly well-intended) family and friends.
Posted by Dinah on July 10, 2002, at 20:31:12
In reply to Suicide and honesty, posted by Angel Girl on July 9, 2002, at 14:58:11
I agree with what the others have said. My family and friends are not equipped to deal with that sort of thing. But I always am honest with my therapist and pdoc.
I think you said you didn't have a therapist or pdoc? I think it's probably very important to have someone you trust to be able to tell serious suicidal thoughts to. If you feel you're in any danger of acting on them, please tell someone who can help.
Posted by LostBoyinNC1 on July 10, 2002, at 22:58:20
In reply to Suicide and honesty, posted by Angel Girl on July 9, 2002, at 14:58:11
> How honest are you with your family and friends about your suicide ideation, plans, attempts?
>
> Do you tell them you're suicidal when they ask???
>
> Angel GirlYou should be honest about it, but also be careful to make clear whether or not you are truly actively suicidal. Also be careful not to freak people out if you are not truly suicidal. Only talk about it if you really feel like you will do it. Because otherwise it leads to overreaction.
Also, if you tell your psychiatrist you are actively suicidal, have a plan, etc. that means an automatic trip to the psychiatric hospital. Not a fun place to be. Be careful.
Usually meds take away those suicidal feelings if they are very strong.
Posted by Angel Girl on July 12, 2002, at 21:33:54
In reply to Re: Suicide and honesty, posted by LostBoyinNC1 on July 10, 2002, at 22:58:20
Thanks to everybody for their replies. My family knows I 'used to' have suicidal ideation but have no idea that it has become more severe. They can't handle it. They already keep me under surveillance.
I don't have a pdoc or therapist right now. I have recently been for an assessment at a mental health ctr and the pdoc there knows but other than that I don't tell anybody.
Like shar and lostboyinnc1, I do NOT want a 'go straight to the hospital' card without passing go. That is my greatest fear and I'll do anything to avoid it. If I wasn't suicidal now, that place would certainly make me be. They'll NEVER get me in there EVER!!!
Angel Girl
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