Do you experience suicidal thoughts?

As clinicians and researchers, we have worked with many individuals who have experienced thoughts of suicide. Sometimes these thoughts feel fleeting, like a momentary wish to escape overwhelming stress or emotional pain. Other times, they can feel intense, persistent, and deeply frightening.

One of the most difficult challenges in mental health care is not just recognizing that someone is having suicidal thoughts—it’s knowing when those thoughts may be turning into a crisis. Families often find it hard to know when to step in. Clinicians face the same uncertainty. And many people experiencing these thoughts themselves aren’t always sure when they need immediate support.

Right now, mental health care relies heavily on people sharing how they’re feeling in conversations or brief assessments. While these tools are important, they don’t always capture the moment when thoughts shift from painful to potentially dangerous. Intervening too late can be life-threatening. Intervening too early can sometimes feel disruptive or unnecessary. Finding better ways to recognize when someone may be approaching a suicidal crisis could help ensure people receive the right support at the right time.

So, what can we do now?

At the New York State Psychiatric Institute, our research team is working to better understand what happens in the brain during periods of intense suicidal ideation. We are developing what’s called a “neural signature”—a personalized brain map that reflects patterns of brain activity associated with suicidal thoughts.

The goal is to determine whether these patterns can help us identify when someone may be approaching a crisis. If successful, this work could contribute to tools that allow clinicians to respond more precisely and effectively, providing care exactly when it is most needed.

How can you help?

We are inviting individuals who are currently experiencing intense suicidal thoughts to participate in this research study. Participation involves admission to our inpatient unit and completion of study-related assessments, including brain imaging. All study-related care is provided at no cost.

By taking part, you would be contributing to research that aims to improve how we detect and respond to suicidal crises in the future. Your experience could help shape a system that ultimately saves lives.

If you are interested in learning more or would like to see if you are eligible, please contact us at noam.schneck@nyspi.columbia.edu.

Resources

If you or someone you know needs help, visit our suicide prevention resources.

If you need support right now, you can call, text, or chat the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or text HOME to 741-741 to reach the Crisis Text Line if you are in the U.S. A list of crisis centers around the world can be found here.