Coping with suicidal thoughts and getting help & support to get you through a challenging time in your life. Understanding feelings of self demise exist along with remedies.
*Warning: The following article contains information about suicide and may be triggering to some readers.
Sometimes, life can be so overwhelming that you aren’t sure how to cope and press forward. You may have been feeling down for some time or you might have recently run into something difficult, like losing your job or a loved one. If you’ve been sitting in pain with nowhere and no one to turn to, your thoughts may have started to take a turn for the worse, to the point where you no longer see a reason for living.
Experiencing suicidal thoughts can be distressing, but it’s critical to know that help is available. By reaching out for support, you can open the door to various resources and people who can be there for you each step of the way as you recover. Here, we’ll discuss what you can do when you’re thinking about suicide.
What Causes Thoughts Of Suicide?
Thoughts of suicide can affect anyone, regardless of their age, gender, or background. While there isn’t one specific cause of these thoughts, the following are some factors that may increase a person’s risk of them:
- Experiencing a mental health condition like anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, schizophrenia, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, substance use disorder, child or adult ADHD, borderline personality disorder, etc.
- Having adverse childhood experiences, such as abuse, neglect, or abandonment
- Being physically or sexually assaulted
- Going through something traumatic, like unexpectedly losing a loved one or being involved in military combat
- Living with a chronic or terminal condition such as cancer, Parkinson’s disease, organ failure, etc.
- Facing emotional, physical, verbal, sexual, or psychological abuse
The reasons that cause someone to feel suicidal can vary greatly. Despite the root of these thinking patterns, they can be equally as harmful to anyone experiencing them.
How To Cope With Thoughts Of Suicide
It’s crucial to approach thoughts of suicide with a sense of urgency, finding support and treatment as soon as possible. The following are some steps to take if you’re feeling suicidal:
- Talk to a friend: Reaching out to a trusted individual, such as a friend or family member, can help you feel less alone and isolated. You may feel as if you’re a burden but know that those who love and care for you wouldn’t want you going through this alone. As much as you might feel that they don’t care, give them a chance to show how much you mean to them by reaching out for help and telling them you’re struggling.
- Make a crisis plan: Making a crisis plan to use when you’re having suicidal thoughts can be essential to your safety and overall well-being. A crisis plan may involve writing down who you can call for help, what coping strategies are most effective for you, what phrases to tell yourself in the moment, what other people could do to support you, and a safe place you could go. Keep this plan on hand so that it’s accessible when you need it most.
- Connect with a therapist: Speaking with a therapist can help you uncover the potential roots of your suicidal thoughts. In therapy, you can come up with a treatment plan alongside your provider so that you can begin to heal. They may prescribe medication to help you as well, but every treatment plan looks different. Involving a professional in your journey can ensure that you’re being closely monitored by someone who has specialized training in these types of concerns.
- Call a crisis hotline: If you don’t have anyone you trust to turn to when you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, the next best thing may be calling a crisis hotline. In the United States, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be reached at 988. By connecting with a compassionate and supportive individual over the phone, you can receive immediate attention and care and get advice for the next steps to take.
If you’re in danger of harming yourself or someone else, it’s crucial to dial 911. From there, you may be referred to a hospital, your therapist, or some other professional to help ensure that you’re safe.
You’re Never Alone
Suicidal thoughts can cause you to feel all alone, but it’s essential to remember that there are lots of people who love and care for you. Reaching out for help is a sign of bravery and strength, so be proud of yourself for taking steps to keep yourself safe. Life may have you down right now, but with the right tools, resources, and support network, you can start to move forward into a healthier, happier, more productive life.
