Many people struggle with sadness and depression and each day in the world many people struggle with the thought of wanting to die. Many people have struggled with suicidal thoughts and it is important to know that feeling hopeless is an experience and it is not lasting. This feeling is temporary and there is help available for anyone who is experiencing these feelings.
When someone thinks that they want to die, chances are they are experiencing some kind of mental o psychological pain. They feel that they cannot take the pain anymore and they have these suicidal thoughts. This pain can be worse when there is no one to talk to and when something bad happens. When all of these strong emotions come along, the Critical Inner Voices give the emotions of hopelessness and they make people feel that they should die and that everyone would be better without them. This is not true. No one would be better without you. When you hurt yourself, you are hurting those that love you. Many studies show that when a person kills themselves, it impacts at least seven other people. The pain you are feeling will pass and you have to make sure you are safe while you let this feeling go away or lessen.
Plan
- Know when you are feeling bad or when you start thinking dark.
- If you are very anxious, try to deal with these feelings right away.
- Decide what you will do when you feel bad before you reach thoughts of suicide.
- What activities can you do that make you feel better?
- Who can you call when you are feeling suicidal?
- Is there a counselor you can talk to? Keep the contact information close to you.
- Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and talk to someone.
What Should You Do?
When you have thoughts of suicide, know that they will pass. Even though you are in a lot of pain in your mind, this will pass too. This pain will bring on thoughts of self-destruction, but you have to promise yourself and other that you will not harm yourself.
Some people will use the 3-day rule that says that if they feel that they want to kill themselves that they promise that they will wait for 3 days and see if life is worth living.
But, even if life is hard after 3 days, you should not kill yourself but you should try to be hopeful and to get help. If people that are hurting can take some action to lessen their negative thoughts, and by giving themselves time, chances are the thought will leave them and will not last very long.
Be Safe
Take precautions to make sure you are safe if these feelings creep up. Don’t isolate.
Talking
People are sometimes too afraid to tell someone that they are having suicidal thoughts. If you share these feelings with someone you love and trust, they can help you. Let the person you love know what you are feeling and let them help you. Tell them you are having suicidal thoughts.
Getting professional help can also be helpful and if you cannot get in to see someone right away, call the helpline so someone can guide you until you can speak to someone. Remember that these calls are anonymous and so you don’t have to be afraid to call them.
Talking to someone can help you to feel better and help you cope with your problems.
Drugs and Alcohol
Do not take drugs and alcohol if you are suicidal because this can increase your desire to die.
Sleep
When you don’t get enough sleep, chances are it can bring about suicidal thoughts. Always make sure you get enough hours of sleep and try to get at least 8 hours each night. If you find that you have no energy, do something to be active so you can get your energy back.
Be Physical
Do something that will keep you physical. Doing physical activity can take away anxiety and stress. Get your heart rate up by jogging or going for a walk. Join a gym. This will help you with your body and your emotions.
Negative Thoughts
Suicidal thoughts are usually thoughts after negative thoughts creep in. Recognize your negative thoughts and use your Critical Inner Voice to challenge them and push them away.
Treat Yourself Like a Friend
It is important that you love yourself and you forgive yourself. Don’t beat yourself up for being sad or anxious. Treat yourself the way that you would a friend that was in the same situation.
When you think everything is going on in your life that is wrong, imagine how much the people around you would hurt if you were gone. Everyone has problems and if your friend wanted to die, what would you say to them?
Practice treating yourself with kindness and compassion. Here are ways to have self-compassion:
- Know you are suffering.
- Be kind to yourself.
- People aren’t perfect, remember that.
Therapy
Remember that therapy does help. There are different kinds of therapy such as Cognitive Behavior, Dialectic Behavior Therapy and Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality.
Medicine
There are different types of medicines that are available for people that are depressed and suicidal. Many of these antidepressants are FDA approved and you just have to find the right doctor to help you find the best medication for you.
Websites
There are different resources online that can help you such as:
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
- org
- org
- Samaritans
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Call Them
Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and they will immediately give you help. They are there 24/7.
You can also text START to 741-741 for 24/7 suicide text support.