Deborah A. O'Donnell, PhD
is a licensed psychologist in Maryland (#03958)
Dr. O'Donnell earned a PhD at
Yale University
Dr. O'Donnell completed a doctoral internship at
Children's National Medical Center
988 Lifeline:
How can we help someone who expresses suicidal thoughts? What are we supposed to say or do?
Here are some ideas:
It is okay to ask someone if they are having suicidal thoughts. Asking the question won’t “put ideas in their mind” or plant a suicidal thought in their head. Asking directly, as opposed to skirting around the issue, is best. You could say, “Have you been thinking about killing yourself?” or “Have you been wanting to hurt yourself?” Often, it is not a topic that someone would bring up on their own, and it can be a relief to have someone else open the door to conversation.
If someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please encourage them to reach out to a mental health counselor, doctor, or religious/spiritual leader (for example, pastor, priest, Rabbi) for advice and guidance.
If someone you know is expressing an active intention to kill themselves, including telling you of a suicide plan they have, or saying that they have access to a suicide method, 911 should be called or the person should be taken to the closest emergency room.
988 is the suicide crisis hotline that is also an important resource.
If you are feeling suicidal, please know that you are not alone.
Sometimes suicide is a symptom of mental illness, although not always. People of all backgrounds might face suicidal thinking at some point in their lives, whether it is prompted by stress, loss, negative self-talk, mental illness, or a sense that they are killing themselves for a higher purpose.
Life is valuable. Life is sometimes stressful. Life can be lonely and confusing. Sometimes, when it seems as if all hope is lost, thoughts about ending our life may emerge. Unfortunately, research shows that many people, both here in the United States, and abroad make the decision to try to kill themselves. Even more unsettling is that many individuals carry out their plans and die by suicide.
The loved ones left behind after someone commits suicide can experience an array of strong emotions, including sadness, grief, fear, anger, and confusion. Sometimes, if we have lost someone to suicide, we may feel guilt, regret, or numbness.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please let someone know. Talk to your teacher, friend, doctor, or psychologist so that we can help.
You can call or text 988 at any time, which is the national suicide hotline.
Each month I use this space to feature a mental health theme:
Did you know that September is
National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month?
Dr. O'Donnell accepts:
Medicare
Tricare/Humana Military
Dr. O'Donnell is an out-of-network provider for other health insurance companies
Insurance
Education
Training
Dr. O'Donnell completed clinical training at Yale University:
-Center for Anxiety and Mood Disorders
-Center for Eating and Weight Disorders
-Child Study Center
-Parenting Center