Reducing suicidal ideation in young adults: online tools to address perceived burdensomeness

ABSTRACT Suicide rates in Australian young adults have been increasing over the past decade. Psychological interventions with a selective focus can be effective to reduce suicidal ideation. Perceived burdensomeness, a belief that an individual’s death is worth more than their life, may drive suicidal ideation more strongly in young adults. Online modules, adapted short-term cognitive-behavioural therapy, and self-guided digital safety planning are among several evidence-based, brief therapies that have shown promise in reducing suicidal ideation through: (i) challenging thoughts of perceived burdensomeness and (ii) empowering young adults to strengthen supportive relationships with close others. While not a substitute for more intensive models of care, such interventions can be implemented with minimal input from clinicians where imminent risk of suicide is not present. With psychologists under increasing pressure to deliver services to young adults in suicidal distress, stepped care models that incorporate digital, selective interventions to address perceived burdensomeness may open new treatment pathways, significantly reduce suicidal ideation and protect against its future development. Key points What is already known about this topic: (1) Suicide is the leading cause of death for young adults in Australia, and has been rising over the past decade. (2) Past-year suicidal ideation is more prevalent in younger Australians than in older age groups. What this topic adds: (1) Online modules have successfully reduced perceived burdensomeness by coaching young adults to interrogate their beliefs and strengthen their supportive relationships. (2) Self-guided digital suicide safety planning has demonstrated high acceptability among young people and can strengthen suicide-related coping skills. (3) Incorporating targeted digital interventions into models of stepped care may open new treatment pathways to help young people better manage suicidal ideation.