Suicide
Having thoughts of suicide is common when
people feel depressed, anxious, frustrated, down on
themselves or otherwise upset. When you are in such a frame
of mind, suicide seems like a reasonable way out of a
hopeless situation. It is vital to recognize the falseness
of such feelings, no matter how real they seem. Your
situation is not hopeless and your pain is not unbearable.
There are actually many things you can do! Here are some
suggestions:
1. Have a plan.
Decide what you will do if such feelings come up. Talk to
your therapist about it before you have a crisis. If you
don't have a therapist, get one right away. Having a plan
helps to reduce the likelihood of having such thoughts and
if you do, keeps them in check.
2. Remove all easy
opportunities for suicide, such
as weapons, medications, etc. Lock them up, give them away,
put them in storage, let someone else keep them for you.
3. Write out your
thoughts and work at disputing
and changing depressing, anxious, suicidal thoughts. For
example, if you are thinking, "My life sucks", try changing
this to, "Some things about my life suck, but I may be able
to change them and many other things about my life are
okay".
4. Fight your feelings
by doing the opposite of what you feel like doing, for
example:
- Do something physical like going for a
walk, exercising, etc.
- Call a friend or someone with whom you
can talk.
- Get out of the house/apartment.
- Go shopping, to a movie, to church or
any other activity you enjoy.
- Do something nice for yourself, like
take a hot bath, buy yourself a treat, etc.
5. Do NOT turn to
drinking or drugging. This might
help you feel better temporarily, but it will probably just
make matters worse.
6. If you are still
feeling suicidal, instead of
doing anything harmful to yourself, try the following:
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