“The Ramp” is what we call the descent from general suicidal thoughts into the “Valley of Suicide.”
“The Ramp” is not a physical space. It is an emotional state of being. The further you slide down the ramp, the more grave the danger of death by suicide. Some people remain near the top of “The Ramp”, while others progress slowly down the ramp towards suicide. Others may move very quickly down the ramp, perhaps making an impulsive suicide attempt. Anyone on “The Ramp” needs help, but the kind of help you need depends on where you are on “The Ramp”. If you are high on the ramp, reaching out to a friend may be enough, or you might speak with a counselor or trusted confidant. The lower down “The Ramp” you are, though, the more important it is to speak with a mental health professional or to call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.
Stages of the Ramp
Stage 1: Passive Suicidal Thoughts
Passive suicidal thoughts such as wishing that you were dead are usually the first sign that you or someone you care about is on “The Ramp”. An individual at this point isn’t necessarily wanting to end their life, but they are expressing statements that indicate they are feeling overwhelmed. They may not want to die, but they wish their situation would improve.
If you or someone you love has passive suicidal thoughts, those thoughts must be taken seriously. Feeling isolated and disconnected is often common at this phase, but those feelings may increase thoughts of suicide. If you’re thinking life is not worth living, reach out to someone- your loved ones, a friend, a neighbor. If you are concerned about someone else’s well-being, get in contact with them. They may have lost perspective. They may not know how much you care about them. People in this first stage of “The Ramp” are often benefitted by speaking with a mental health professional, a trusted friend or confidant, or, sometimes, even by reading self-help books. We’ve got a list of books and links here.
Stage 2: Starting to Form a Plan
When someone moves from occasionally thinking about suicide to developing the plan for how to do it, they have moved to the second stage of “The Ramp”. People at this stage are at a greater risk. The more thought out, feasible, and lethal the plan is, the higher the risk.
If you or someone you love is starting to form a plan, there is a serious need for intervention. Try to see a mental health professional as soon as possible. If you do not have one or don’t know how to find one, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a free resource and can help you connect to someone in your area.
Stage 3: Preparing to Implement the Plan
At this stage of “The Ramp” the person has moved from thinking about the plan to putting the plan in motion. For some people this may involve acquiring the materials necessary for ending their life (e.g. a rope, medications). For others, it may involve writing a note, instructions, a will, or posting something about ending their life on social media. Another action that may occur in this stage is to give prized possessions away. Gathering materials to use to end your life is NOT NORMAL behavior.
If you suspect that your loved one is doing any of these things, ask them directly if they are suicidal. Now is the time to be speaking with a mental health professional as soon as possible. Speak with your loved one about their willingness to seek help and potentially even be hospitalized. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for more information.
Stage 4: Suicide Attempt/Suicide
This is the final exit of “The Ramp”. A person at this stage is not just considering suicide or making a plan, they are ready to take their life. Sometimes, when asked, the person will minimize the gravity of the matter, but a person who says they intend to end their life must be taken seriously.
This is an emergency. Call 911.
In closing…
Every stage of “The Ramp” is important to acknowledge and address. Someone who has had passive suicidal thoughts may have one more thing (or a series of things) happen, and NOW they find themselves sliding down “The Ramp”. That is why it is imperative to intervene early and treat suicidal thoughts as quickly as possible.