Tag: depression

Alcohol Addiction Recovery: Why Women Need Specialized Support

Alcohol addiction impacts women in unique and complex ways—physically, emotionally, socially, and psychologically. While recovery is a personal journey, women often face challenges that differ from men and deserve gender-specific, trauma-informed support.

At Anchored Tides Recovery, we understand these differences and have designed a holistic, women-only treatment environment that addresses the full spectrum of healing. We will explore why women need specialized support in alcohol addiction recovery and how a safe, trauma-informed approach can foster lasting transformation.

Quick Take Away

Women face unique challenges in alcohol addiction due to biology, trauma, and social stigma
Shame, caretaking roles, and co-occurring disorders often delay recovery
Specialized, gender-specific support leads to better outcomes
Trauma-informed, holistic treatment helps women heal fully
Anchored Tides offers a safe, nurturing environment tailored to women’s needs

Why Alcohol Addiction Affects Women Differently

Biological & Hormonal Differences

Women’s bodies process alcohol differently. Due to lower levels of alcohol-metabolizing enzymes, hormonal fluctuations, and higher fat-to-water ratios, women:

Become intoxicated faster with less alcohol
Are at higher risk for liver damage and heart disease
Experience more severe cognitive effects over time

Even when drinking less, women can develop physical consequences more quickly than men. Recovery must address these biological realities with individualized medical and nutritional support.

Mental Health & Trauma

Many women who struggle with alcohol use also experience mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and disordered eating. Often, alcohol becomes a coping mechanism for trauma—whether from childhood, abuse, or ongoing emotional pain.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), trauma exposure dramatically increases the risk of developing a substance use disorder. Treating addiction without acknowledging underlying trauma is often ineffective.

Stigma and Shame

Social stigma around women and addiction—especially for mothers or caregivers—can lead to intense shame, secrecy, and fear of judgment. Many women hide their drinking, avoid treatment, and suffer in silence.

A supportive, non-judgmental environment where women can heal safely is essential to recovery.

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Parenting and Caregiving

Many women delay or avoid treatment because of childcare responsibilities. The fear of losing custody or not having support often prevents them from getting help.

Women-focused programs offer parenting resources, family therapy, and referrals for childcare when possible, allowing mothers to heal while maintaining connection with their families.

Codependency and Toxic Relationships

Women are more likely to remain in codependent relationships that reinforce substance use. Sometimes, partners actively discourage recovery or create emotional dependence.

Gender-specific treatment allows women to build boundaries, develop independence, and begin healing without relational interference.

Body Image and Eating Disorders

Issues with body image, food, and control often overlap with substance use in women. Dual-diagnosis care that addresses both alcohol addiction and disordered eating is vital for long-term recovery.

Why Gender-Specific Recovery Matters

A Safe Space to Be Vulnerable

In mixed-gender treatment settings, women may feel uncomfortable sharing deeply personal experiences—especially if they involve past abuse. A women-only environment fosters emotional safety and trust.

When women connect with others who share their story, healing accelerates. The power of hearing “me too” cannot be overstated.

Trauma-Informed, Holistic Healing

Women benefit from integrated approaches that include:

EMDR for trauma processing
CBT and DBT for emotional regulation
Somatic therapy for body-mind reconnection
Yoga, meditation, and creative therapies

These methods help women heal emotionally, physically, and spiritually—not just achieve sobriety.

Custom Medical and Nutritional Support

Hormonal changes, nutritional deficits, and other gender-specific issues require specialized medical care. Women-focused recovery includes:

Hormone balance support
Nutritional counseling
Sleep and mood management
Reproductive health support when needed

How Abuse Can Lead to Addiction

For many women, alcohol isn’t about partying or rebellion—it’s about survival. Alcohol becomes a way to numb pain, escape anxiety, or silence past trauma.

Trauma and chronic stress change how the brain processes reward and impulse control. As NIDA outlines, this rewiring increases vulnerability to addiction.

Healing requires more than stopping the behavior. It means addressing the pain beneath the surface and learning new ways to cope, connect, and grow.

What Makes Anchored Tides Recovery Different

At Anchored Tides Recovery, our programs are built by women, for women. We offer:

We meet each woman where she is and walk with her as she builds a life of freedom, purpose, and joy.

You are not broken. You are healing. And you don’t have to do it alone.

What Recovery Looks Like for Women

When women receive the support they deserve, they:

Reconnect with their bodies and emotions
Build boundaries in relationships
Learn emotional regulation and communication skills
Reclaim joy, confidence, and identity

Recovery is more than sobriety. It’s a full-body, full-heart return to self.

Ready to begin your healing journey? Contact us today or call us to speak with our compassionate team.

Need more information?

Explore our programs:

Common Asked Questions

Why do women need specialized support for alcohol addiction recovery?

Women face unique biological, emotional, and social challenges with alcohol addiction. Trauma-informed, gender-specific care addresses their distinct needs and improves recovery outcomes.

How does trauma influence alcohol addiction in women?

Trauma can alter brain function, making women more vulnerable to addiction. Many use alcohol to cope with PTSD, anxiety, or emotional pain, which makes trauma-informed therapy essential.

What therapies work best for women recovering from alcohol addiction?

Effective therapies include EMDR, DBT, CBT, and holistic methods like yoga and meditation. These help women process trauma, regulate emotions, and build healthier coping strategies.

Is a women-only treatment program more effective?

Yes, women-only programs create emotional safety, reduce stigma, and allow deeper healing. They support open sharing, connection, and gender-responsive care.

What does Anchored Tides Recovery offer for women with alcohol addiction?

Anchored Tides Recovery offers trauma-informed addiction treatment for women, including PHP, IOP, outpatient care, EMDR, holistic therapies, and a safe, supportive environment in Huntington Beach, CA.

Back-to-School, Back to Stress: How Women Can Manage Anxiety and Recovery Routines

As the back-to-school season rolls in, many women find themselves pulled in multiple directions. Managing school drop-offs, work responsibilities, and the ongoing commitment to personal recovery. While this time of year may bring structure for some, it also brings heightened anxiety, emotional triggers, and the risk of falling out of balance, especially for women in recovery from substance use or mental health challenges.

Whether you’re a mother, a working professional, or a caregiver, navigating the shift in routine while maintaining your sobriety and mental wellness can feel overwhelming. The good news? With the right strategies and support systems, you can move through this season feeling grounded, empowered, and aligned with your recovery goals.

At Anchored Tides Recovery in Huntington Beach, we offer comprehensive outpatient care to women throughout Orange County, Long Beach, and surrounding Southern California communities.

Quick Take Away

The back-to-school season can intensify anxiety and stress, especially for women managing recovery.
Routines, boundaries, mindfulness, and support are key tools for staying grounded.
Recovery isn’t about perfection. It’s about consistency, self-awareness, and getting help when needed.
Anchored Tides Recovery offers flexible outpatient programs for women across Huntington Beach, Long Beach, and the broader SoCal region.

Why Back-to-School Season Triggers Anxiety for Women in Recovery

The transition into fall brings an increase in responsibilities and changes to daily life. For many women, especially those in recovery, this can be a time when mental health is tested.

Here’s why:

1. Change in Daily Structure

A shift in routine, from summer flexibility to rigid school schedules, can be disorienting, especially when your recovery relies on a consistent rhythm.

2. Emotional Load of Caregiving

Whether you’re helping your kids with homework or caring for family members, the invisible labor adds up. Women often bear the emotional weight of managing others’ needs, leading to depletion and stress.

3. Triggers from the Past

This season may bring up memories of previous years marked by chaos, substance use, or unmet expectations. Making it emotionally charged.

4. Perfectionism and Pressure

There’s often a societal (and internal) expectation to “do it all” flawlessly, be a great parent, partner, employee, and person in recovery. That unrealistic pressure can become a relapse trigger.

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What Experts Are Saying About Back-to-School Anxiety

You’re not imagining it, back-to-school anxiety isn’t just for kids. The stress of shifting schedules, emotional triggers, and mounting responsibilities is a real mental health challenge for many women, especially those in recovery. Here’s what medical professionals and behavioral health experts are saying:

Routines Are Protective Experts at Johns Hopkins and the Child Mind Institute recommend gradually resuming school-year routines like regular sleep, meal timing, and prep rituals. This helps reduce uncertainty and build a sense of control — critical for mental health stability.
Validate, Don’t Minimize The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) emphasizes validating emotions — not pushing them aside. Recognizing anxiety as a natural response can reduce shame and encourage healthy coping.
Anxiety Is Physical, Too Harvard Health points out that school-related stress may show up in the body — through sleep disruption, stomach pain, or fatigue. Addressing these signs with compassion is part of holistic care.
Preparation Builds Confidence Therapists suggest practicing school drop-offs or reviewing schedules ahead of time — which can help women (and their children) feel less overwhelmed and more emotionally grounded.

5 Ways to Manage Anxiety While Staying Grounded in Recovery

While you can’t control the calendar, you can take steps to stay regulated, present, and on track.

1. Reestablish a Healthy Routine

Recovery thrives in structure. Start with a simple daily schedule that includes:

Consistent sleep and wake times
Regular meals and hydration
Time for therapy, group meetings, or journaling
Built-in breaks for rest and reflection

A routine doesn’t have to be rigid — it should work with your life, not against it.

2. Set Clear Boundaries

Say no to unnecessary obligations that drain your energy. Prioritize your time and protect your emotional bandwidth. Examples:

Let go of overcommitting to school volunteer tasks
Set limits on screen time or news consumption
Communicate your needs to family and coworkers

3. Practice Mindfulness and Grounding

When the chaos of school schedules or work deadlines gets loud, return to the present moment. Simple practices:

3-minute breathing meditations
Journaling about daily wins or challenges
Mindful walks or grounding exercises like “5-4-3-2-1”

These tools reduce cortisol, promote clarity, and keep you from spiraling into overwhelm.

4. Lean on Your Support System

Now is the time to double down on your network:

Attend your regular IOP or OP therapy sessions
Reach out to your sponsor or accountability partner
Ask for help with school pickups or dinner prep

Recovery isn’t a solo journey. Every time you reach out, you strengthen your path.

5. Avoid Burnout by Prioritizing Self-Care

Self-care is not selfish — it’s the fuel that powers your ability to show up for others.
Schedule time each week for:

A therapy session or support group
A solo coffee break or walk in nature
A recovery podcast, book, or motivational content

Even 10 minutes of focused self-care can recalibrate your nervous system.

When to Seek Additional Support

If your anxiety feels unmanageable, or if you notice signs like:

Emotional numbness
Difficulty sleeping
Intense cravings
Isolation
Irritability or hopelessness

… it may be time to reach out for additional care.

At Anchored Tides Recovery, we understand that life doesn’t stop for recovery, and your recovery shouldn’t stop for life. We offer flexible, women-centered levels of care to support clients in Huntington Beach, Long Beach, and throughout Southern California, including:

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) For those needing a higher level of support without residential care
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) Ideal for women balancing recovery with parenting or work
Outpatient Program (OP) Designed for continued growth with maximum flexibility

Recovery Through Every Season

Stress doesn’t mean failure. It’s a signal that something in your environment or schedule needs attention. Use this back-to-school season as an opportunity to reinforce your boundaries, protect your peace, and deepen your recovery.

Whether you’re in Orange County, Long Beach, or anywhere in Southern California, Anchored Tides Recovery is here to help you stay grounded and supported through every season of life.

Common Asked Questions

What are some quick daily habits that support women in recovery during busy seasons?

Simple daily habits like waking up at the same time, planning meals, journaling, and attending one recovery-related activity can make a huge impact.

How do I know if I need a higher level of care like IOP or PHP?

If you’re feeling emotionally unstable, experiencing intense cravings, or struggling to maintain your daily routine, an IOP or PHP can provide the structure and support you need without full-time residential treatment.

Anxiety at Work: How to Handle It and When to Seek Support

If you’re feeling anxious at work, you’re not alone.

For many women, the workplace is a major source of stress — whether it’s constant worry about performance, fear of speaking up in meetings, anxiety attacks triggered by work demands, or burnout from trying to juggle too much.

The good news? There are practical ways to handle anxiety at work, and resources available if you need extra support.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

✔️ Why workplace anxiety happens
✔️ How to combat anxiety at work
✔️ When to seek therapy or professional help

At Anchored Tides Recovery in Orange County, we specialize in helping women heal from anxiety and trauma — including the anxiety that shows up in your work life. You don’t have to manage it alone.

Is Anxiety at Work Normal?

Yes — workplace anxiety is very common.

Work environments today can be incredibly demanding, and many women feel pressure to “hold it all together” — even when inside they feel anything but calm.

In fact, nearly 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experience an anxiety disorder each year — and the workplace is one of the most common triggers.

Why the modern workplace causes anxiety:

Toxic cultures where people fear speaking up
Heavy workloads and unrealistic expectations
Lack of control over priorities or schedules
Blurred work-life boundaries (especially with remote work)
Workplace trauma or harassment
Perfectionism and imposter syndrome

Workplace anxiety vs. normal work stress:

Feeling a bit nervous before a big presentation? That’s normal.

Feeling constant dread, physical symptoms, or panic about going to work? That may signal workplace anxiety — and you deserve support.

Signs You Might Be Struggling With Workplace Anxiety

Emotional Signs:

Dread about starting your workday
Persistent worry about performance
Feeling on edge or irritable at work
Low mood, loss of motivation

Physical Signs:

Headaches or migraines
Fatigue or insomnia
Muscle tension
Stomachaches or nausea

Behavioral Signs:

Avoiding tasks or procrastinating
Perfectionism that keeps you stuck
Withdrawing from coworkers
Calling in sick frequently

If these signs sound familiar, you’re not alone. At Anchored Tides Recovery, we help women break free from workplace anxiety and reclaim their confidence.

Common Causes of Workplace Anxiety

Why do I feel anxious at work every day?

Many factors can contribute to ongoing workplace anxiety:

Toxic Work Environments

Fear of criticism, lack of trust, harassment, discrimination

Poor Work-Life Balance

Feeling like work consumes your entire life

Lack of Control or Unclear Expectations

Unclear priorities, shifting goals, micromanagement

Perfectionism and People-Pleasing

Setting impossible standards and fearing failure

Previous Trauma Triggered by Work

Work situations that mirror past trauma or unsafe experiences

Burnout

Chronic exhaustion and depletion from prolonged stress

If you’re navigating any of these challenges, know that healing is possible. Workplace anxiety is not a personal weakness — it’s often a trauma response to an unhealthy environment.

How to Combat Anxiety at Work

How can I calm down when I feel anxious at work?

Here are 8 actionable strategies:

1. Recognize and Name It

Awareness is the first step — notice the symptoms without judgment.

2. Practice Grounding Techniques

Deep breathing, body scans, movement breaks, progressive muscle relaxation.

3. Set Boundaries

Protect your time and energy. It’s okay to say no or to log off at a reasonable hour.

4. Improve Your Work-Life Balance

Prioritize rest, hobbies, and time with loved ones outside of work.

5. Reframe Negative Thoughts

Challenge all-or-nothing thinking or catastrophic worries.

6. Build a Support System

Connect with supportive coworkers, mentors, friends, or a therapist.

7. Communicate With Your Boss (if appropriate)

Share what you need (flexibility, clearer priorities, boundaries) when it feels safe to do so.

8. Seek Professional Help When Needed

If anxiety is impacting your health or quality of life, therapy can provide transformative support.

When you feel stuck in workplace anxiety, Anchored Tides Recovery is here to help. Our trauma-informed therapy empowers women to build resilience and reclaim joy at work and beyond.

When to Seek Therapy for Workplace Anxiety

Should I see a therapist for work anxiety?

Here are signs that therapy may help:

Anxiety is affecting your sleep, health, or personal life
You experience panic attacks at work
You constantly dread going to work
Your performance is suffering despite your efforts
You’ve tried coping tools but still feel overwhelmed

Therapy at Anchored Tides Recovery can help you:

Heal underlying trauma
Build healthy coping skills
Navigate workplace stress with more resilience
Regain your confidence and sense of safety

Why Women Experience Unique Challenges With Workplace Anxiety

Gender-Based Stressors

Unequal pay, fewer opportunities for advancement

Imposter Syndrome

Internalized beliefs about not being “good enough”

Balancing Work + Family

Caregiving demands on top of full-time work

Workplace Harassment or Discrimination

Traumatic experiences that compound anxiety

Social Conditioning

Pressure to be “nice,” compliant, or silent about needs and boundaries

6. Build a Support System

Connect with supportive coworkers, mentors, friends, or a therapist.

At Anchored Tides Recovery, we understand these challenges. Our women-centered therapy creates space to process, heal, and rebuild confidence.

Holistic Treatments for Anxiety

Heated Yoga for Depression img A Promising Alternative Treatment

Heated Yoga for Depression: A Promising Alternative Treatment

Surf Therapy Program – Anchored Tides Recovery

What Is Reiki Therapy?

How Anchored Tides Recovery Can Help With Anxiety at Work

At Anchored Tides Recovery, we know that workplace anxiety isn’t just about your job — it’s about how work stress intersects with trauma, self-worth, identity, and life demands.

Our holistic, trauma-informed approach includes:

✔️ Individual therapy to explore root causes of anxiety
✔️ Group therapy with other supportive women
✔️ Skill-building for managing perfectionism, boundaries, and self-care
✔️ Somatic therapies to calm the body
✔️ Mindfulness, yoga, art therapy, and more

Whether you’re seeking outpatient therapy, trauma treatment, or ongoing mental health support, our programs are designed to help you thrive — both at work and in life.

Ready to Reclaim Your Confidence at Work?

If workplace anxiety is holding you back, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Contact Anchored Tides Recovery today to explore our therapy options and start building the tools for lasting resilience.

Get Help for Workplace Anxiety — Contact Us Today

FAQs About Anxiety at Work

What is workplace anxiety?

Workplace anxiety is persistent worry, fear, or distress triggered by work situations, environments, or expectations.

How can I manage anxiety at work?

Practice grounding techniques, set boundaries, reframe negative thoughts, and seek therapy if needed. — call (866) 329-6639 today.

What causes workplace anxiety?

Common causes include toxic work environments, perfectionism, trauma, poor work-life balance, and burnout. Learn more information burnout and depression.

Is workplace anxiety normal?

It’s very common — but when it starts impacting your well-being, it’s important to seek support.

Should I talk to my boss about my anxiety?

If you feel safe, you can share what support you need. Therapy can also help you navigate this conversation — call (866) 329-6639 today.

When should I seek therapy for work anxiety?

If anxiety is affecting your sleep, health, relationships, or performance, therapy can provide powerful support — call (866) 329-6639 or submit a message today.

How can therapy help with workplace anxiety?

Therapy helps you heal the root causes of anxiety, build coping skills, and restore your confidence and resilience — call (866) 329-6639 or submit a message today.

Helpful Resources and Next Steps:

Anchored Tides Recovery is a women’s addiction treatment center in Orange County offering PHP, IOP, and trauma-informed care designed to empower women through every stage of recovery.

anxiety depression mental health therapy workplace anxiety

How to Deal with Burnout and Depression

Burnout and depression can feel overwhelming and isolating, especially for women trying to manage work, relationships, caregiving responsibilities, and their own mental health. At Anchored Tides Recovery, we understand how these challenges intersect, and we’re here to help women regain balance, strength, and purpose.

In this guide, we’ll help you recognize the signs of burnout and depression, understand how they relate, and provide actionable strategies to recover emotionally, physically, and mentally.

What Is Burnout?

Burnout is a state of chronic physical and emotional exhaustion, often caused by prolonged stress—particularly related to work, caregiving, or other intense responsibilities. It can lead to feeling emotionally drained, detached, and unmotivated.

Common Symptoms of Burnout:

Fatigue, even after rest
Increased irritability
Difficulty concentrating
Lack of motivation
Feeling detached or cynical
Sleep disturbances
Physical symptoms like headaches or digestive issues

While burnout isn’t classified as a medical diagnosis, its impact on your health and daily functioning can be profound.

What Is Depression?

Depression is a mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in life. Unlike burnout, which is typically tied to external pressures, depression can stem from a variety of factors including brain chemistry, genetics, trauma, and life circumstances.

Common Symptoms of Depression:

Persistent sadness or emptiness
Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities
Changes in appetite or weight
Sleep disruptions (too much or too little)
Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
Difficulty thinking or making decisions
Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to seek help. Depression is treatable with therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.

Burnout vs. Depression: What’s the Difference?

Many people confuse burnout and depression, as they share similar symptoms like fatigue, low motivation, and withdrawal. However, the key differences are:

Burnout is typically situational and related to a specific area (like work).
Depression is more pervasive and affects multiple areas of life, including physical health, relationships, and self-perception.

Burnout improves with rest and boundary-setting; depression often needs professional intervention.

If you’re unsure whether you’re experiencing burnout, depression, or both, speaking with a mental health professional can provide clarity.

Can Burnout Lead to Depression?

Yes—untreated burnout can progress into depression. When stress continues for too long without relief or support, it can drain emotional reserves and impact your brain chemistry. This is why early intervention is key.

Women are especially vulnerable due to social expectations, caregiving roles, and career pressures. Burnout can erode self-esteem and make women feel like they’re “failing” when they’re simply overwhelmed.

How to Deal with Burnout and Depression: Step-by-Step

Here are effective, research-based strategies to help manage both burnout and depression:

1. Acknowledge What You’re Feeling

Give yourself permission to feel tired, frustrated, or low. Naming what you’re going through is the first step toward healing.

2. Set Clear Boundaries

Burnout thrives when boundaries are lacking. Learn to say no to nonessential obligations and protect your energy.

3. Create a Self-Care Routine That Actually Works

Self-care isn’t just bubble baths. It includes:

4. Seek Support

Talk to trusted friends, join a support group, or reach out to a therapist. Anchored Tides Recovery offers trauma-informed care and group therapy designed specifically for women.

5. Consider Professional Help

If depression symptoms persist, clinical help is vital. Treatment options may include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Medication
Group Therapy
Trauma Therapy
Dual Diagnosis Programs

At Anchored Tides Recovery, we provide mental health services that address the root causes of emotional distress and offer individualized treatment plans.

6. Reevaluate Your Environment

Sometimes your surroundings contribute to burnout or depression. Ask:

Is my job or relationship unsustainable?
Am I stuck in a toxic cycle?
What changes would support my mental well-being?

Small changes, like modifying your routine or finding a healthier workspace, can make a big difference.

Childhood Trauma and Addiction: Codependent Issues

Trauma and Women’s Mental Health

Many women who struggle with burnout and depression have unresolved trauma. This can include past abuse, neglect, or emotionally invalidating environments. Trauma can wire the nervous system for hypervigilance, emotional exhaustion, and despair.

At Anchored Tides Recovery, we integrate trauma-informed approaches into our mental health and substance use treatment. Healing past wounds is essential to moving forward.

How Anchored Tides Recovery Can Help

We understand the unique challenges women face. Our women-only environment is safe, supportive, and structured for true healing.

Our programs include:

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): Ideal for women who need structured daily support without overnight stay.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Flexible therapy and support as women reintegrate into their lives.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment: For co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders.
Trauma-Informed Therapy: Focused on healing the root cause of distress.
Aftercare & Alumni Support: Long-term resources for sustained recovery.

When to Seek Help Immediately

If you or someone you know is experiencing:

Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Complete withdrawal from daily life
Inability to perform basic self-care

Please call a mental health professional, visit your nearest emergency room, or contact a crisis line.

National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988

You’re Not Alone

Burnout and depression can feel like invisible weights, especially for women who feel the pressure to “keep it together.” But you’re not alone and don’t have to face this silently.

At Anchored Tides Recovery, we provide compassionate, personalized care for women navigating life’s toughest moments. Whether you’re experiencing burnout, depression, or both, help is available, and healing is possible.

Explore Our Programs:

Let us help you find clarity, peace, and purpose again. Call us today at (866) 329-6639.

Women’s Partial Hospitalization Program

Anchored Tides Recovery - female walking on the beach

Women’s Intensive Outpatient Program

Dual-diagnosis - silhouette of woman walking

Women’s Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center

burnout depression Mental Health mental wellness

Which Warning Signs Can Be Used to Identify a Suicidal Person?

Supportive friend comforting a loved one showing warning signs of suicide and depression

Understanding Suicide and Its Warning Signs

Suicidal thoughts don’t always look the way we expect. Sometimes, they’re loud—like someone openly expressing their pain. Other times, they’re quiet—like someone slowly withdrawing, losing interest in life, or feeling like a burden to those around them.

If you’re worried about a loved one, you’re not alone. Many families, friends, and partners struggle with how to recognize and respond to suicidal ideation. We will help you identify suicidal warning signs, suicide risk factors, and ways to offer support before a crisis happens.

At Anchored Tides Recovery, we understand the deep emotional pain that can lead someone to feel hopeless. We also believe in the power of connection, healing, and recovery.

What Is Suicidal Ideation?

Suicidal ideation refers to thoughts about ending one’s life, whether fleeting or persistent. There are two main types:

Passive Suicidal Ideation

A person has thoughts of not wanting to exist but no specific plans to act on them. Examples include:

“I wish I could just disappear.”
“I wouldn’t care if I didn’t wake up tomorrow.”

Active Suicidal Ideation

A person is not only thinking about suicide but has a plan to act on it. They may:

Express thoughts of self-harm
Gather means (such as pills or weapons)
Say goodbyes or settle unfinished business

How Common Are Suicidal Thoughts?

Not everyone who struggles with suicidal thoughts shows obvious signs, but certain behaviors, emotions, and verbal cues may indicate a person is at risk.

Behavioral Warning Signs

Social withdrawal – Avoiding family, friends, and social events
Increased substance use – Drugs or alcohol may be used to numb emotional pain
Sudden calmness after distress – May indicate a decision to act on suicidal thoughts
Reckless or self-destructive behavior – Engaging in dangerous activities without concern for consequences
Giving away possessions – Especially meaningful or sentimental items

Emotional Warning Signs

Feeling trapped or hopeless – Expressing that “nothing will ever get better”
Extreme guilt or shame – Feeling like a burden to others
Severe mood swings – Going from deep despair to sudden relief (which may signal an intent to act)
Increased anxiety or agitation – Restlessness, irritability, or difficulty concentrating

Verbal Cues to Look Out For

“I just can’t do this anymore.”
“Everyone would be better off without me.”
“I don’t see the point in anything.”
“I’m just tired of fighting.”

If you hear someone express thoughts of suicide, take it seriously. Don’t assume it’s just a passing thought.

Suicide Risk Factors

Certain factors can increase the likelihood of suicidal ideation. These don’t necessarily mean someone will attempt suicide, but they are red flags that shouldn’t be ignored.

Mental health conditions – Depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder
Substance abuse – Drug and alcohol use can increase impulsivity and worsen depression
History of trauma or abuse – Childhood trauma, domestic violence, or sexual assault
Chronic illness or disability – Ongoing pain or health struggles
Recent major loss – Death of a loved one, job loss, or a breakup
Previous suicide attempts – History of self-harm or suicide attempts increases future risk

If someone in your life has multiple risk factors, stay connected. Isolation makes these risks even greater.

How to Help Someone Struggling with Suicidal Thoughts

Start the Conversation
Many people fear saying the wrong thing, but silence is far more dangerous. Ask directly and with compassion:
- “I’ve noticed you’ve been struggling—are you thinking about hurting yourself?”
- “You’re not alone. Can we talk about what’s going on?”
Listen Without Judgment
- Let them speak freely without minimizing their feelings.
- Avoid saying things like “Just think positive” or “You have so much to live for”. Instead, say:
  - “I hear you, and I’m here for you.”
  - “I want to help. Let’s find support together.”
Remove Access to Dangerous Items
If your loved one has mentioned a specific plan, take action immediately:
- Remove medications, firearms, or other means of self-harm.
- Stay with them or have someone they trust keep them safe.
Encourage Professional Help
Therapy, crisis hotlines, and medical support can save lives. If they are resistant, offer to:
- Call a crisis helpline with them
- Help them find a therapist or treatment program
- Stay by their side as they seek support

At Anchored Tides Recovery, we specialize in treating co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders because healing requires addressing both.

Suicide Awareness Month: September 2025

Every year, September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time dedicated to breaking the stigma and spreading hope.

Ways to Get Involved:
✅ Share resources on social media
✅ Participate in local awareness walks or events
✅ Support someone who is struggling by checking in

Raising Awareness Slogan:

“You are not alone. Hope is real. Help is available.”

Even the smallest act of support can save a life.

You Matter
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please know: