Whatever thoughts you are having, and however bad you are feeling, remember that you have not always felt this way, and that you will not always feel this way. Below are the 7 best ways to cope with suicidal thoughts
1. Dont Keep These Suicidal Feelings To Yourself
Study has shown that the first step to coping with suicidal thoughts and feelings is to share them with someone we trust. It may be a friend, a therapist, or an experienced counselor at the end of a helpline. Find someone you trust and let them know how bad things are. Don’t let fear, shame, or embarrassment prevent you from seeking help. Just talking about how you got to this point in your life can release a lot of the pressure that’s building up and help you find a way to cope.
2. Check Medication Side Effects
Be aware that some anti-depressant medication can increase the risk of suicidal thinking, especially when you first start taking them. Also, when the medication first starts taking effect it can increase your energy and motivation before improving your mood, increasing the risk of acting on suicidal thoughts. Talk to your doctor about the risks and be extra vigilant with other strategies for keeping yourself safe.
3. Minimize The Amount Of Time You Spend Alone
Depression and suicidal thinking thrive in isolation. So, try to minimize the time spent alone in your room; take work to the library, ask friends to be with you at vulnerable times, make plans ahead for weekends and other lonelier times, generally work on building your support networks. Find people to connect with, reach out to family, friends, and crisis line, anyone to dissipate the crisis. Safety is the number one factor during a crisis. Reach out and connect with resources that will help alleviate thee crisis
4. Make Your Home Safe
You can do this by removing those things you could use to hurt yourself, such as pills, knives, razors, or firearms. If you are unable to do so, go to a place where you can feel safe. If you are thinking of taking an overdose, give your medicines to someone who can return them to you one day at a time as you need them.
4. Avoid Drugs And Alcohol
Suicidal thoughts can become even stronger if you have taken drugs or alcohol. So, It is important to not use non-prescription drugs or alcohol when you feel hopeless or are thinking about suicide.
5. Be Active
Make time for things that bring you joy. Even if very few things bring you pleasure at the moment, force yourself to do the things you used to enjoy as it can have a positive effect on mood.
7. Stay Away From Triggers
Sometimes certain places, people or habits can trigger thoughts of despair and suicide. It might be hard to make the connection at first, but start thinking about whether there are patterns that might clue you in to potential triggers. Whenever possible, avoid things that make you feel sad, hopeless, or stressed. Here are a few examples of triggers: Drinking alcohol and doing drugs. It feels good at first, but it can turn negative thoughts into suicidal ones very quickly. Alcohol is involved in at least 30% of suicides. People who are physically or emotionally abusive. Books, movies and music with dark, emotional themes. Stressful situations. Being alone.
Sources:
Ncbi.nlm.gov
Helpguide.org
studentsagainstdepression.org
Excellent post however I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this topic?
I’d be very grateful if you could elaborate a little bit further.
Bless you!