HOW TO MANAGE SUICIDAL THOUGHTS

Five ways to deal with Suicidal thoughts.

It's so cold out here, stepping out alone might freeze you to the bones. It sometimes feels like the pain would never stop. The feeling of hopelessness hijacks your thoughts, driving you insane. The regrets outweigh the accolades, the disappointments, the rejection, and betrayals battle for supremacy and you are left to watch yourself wallow in shame and self-pity. The anxiety of what other misfortune tomorrow holds clouds every bit of gratitude you could possibly have for today. You seem alone, it appears so but the truth is, you're not.

The fact is, most people experience thoughts of suicide at some point in their lives, it's not just you. Feeling suicidal does not make you weak, weird, crazy, or broken. It only signifies that the pain and sadness you are feeling at the moment is beyond what you can cope with. To feel suicidal is totally normal but to succumb to the overwhelmingness is the crime in it.  

You are stronger than it and this is how you can beat it;

1. Stay alive

At the moment when the feeling is strongest, what you need to do is stay alive. Put off every plan, sit tight and be conscious of yourself. Try counting your fingers, take slow and deep breaths, it keeps you aware of yourself and slows your probably racing heart. Recognise that suicide thought can't kill you, it is the action it compels that kills. So stay alive that moment by doing nothing.

2. Call someone you trust


Call your mum. call a friend, call your pastor, call someone. Humans are designed to be dependent on each other to survive. You don't have to go through this alone, being alone actually increases your risk of suicide. A little support from family or friends would go a long way in overcoming the challenge. Tell them how you are feeling and that moment of discussion might be all the distraction you need to take your mind off your mental stress. Stay on the phone, ask them to come over, or go over to their place. You can't kill yourself on their watch.

3. Avoid drugs and alcohol

Whatever you do, don't make drugs or alcohol your coping mechanism when struggling with suicidal thoughts. It never ends well, it's like paying for your own death. It may be compelling to sink into that embrace during difficult times. But the truth is, alcohol and drugs worsen suicidal thoughts because it is harder to think clearly with these substances in your system.

4. Make your home safer

Eliminate access to lethal methods of suicide by getting rid of objects you could use to harm yourself. Objects like; firearms, pills, razors, poisons (sniper), knives, or ropes. If you are afraid you might act on your thought don't make it easy by staying around objects you could harm yourself with. 

5. Identify and stay away from triggers

Oftentimes than not, suicidal thoughts are triggered by certain places, people, or habits. You need to read between the lines and look for patterns that might give you a clue into these potential triggers. To the best of your ability, avoid them. Here is a list of possible triggers you should consider staying away from;
  • Abusive people
  • Alcohol and drugs
  • Being alone
  • Social Media: I personally advise anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts to stay clear of social media. The fakeness and intimidation on these apps will certainly make it worse. Bear in mind that people are not as happy and fulfilled as they appear on snaps.

6. Choose to live

Choosing to live involves making a conscious decision not to die and making efforts towards living. Give yourself reasons to live, draw a plan for yourself, set goals for yourself and remind yourself of the things you love. Lead a healthy life. Try these tips;
  • Get enough exercise, it helps to unclip the grip of depression and anxiety.
  • Get good sleep, good and undisturbed sleeps helps you keep a clear head.
  • Develop a hobby, like painting, drawing, gardening, learning a musical instrument, or a new language. This helps you take your mind away from your nightmares.
  • Work on loving yourself. You can't hurt someone you love. So love yourself.

7. Seek professional help


80% to 90% of depression treatment cases come out successful. So we evidently can't undermine the importance of scheduling an appointment with a Mental Health Specialist when you are struggling to stay alive. Therapists and Counsellors can help you identify the cause of your suicidal thoughts which are often depression and bipolar disorder, both of which are treatable. Be it an after-effect of a traumatic event from your past, a professional can help you learn to deal with it, leaving you healthier and happier.

You should know that killing yourself does not end your pain, it only ends your life and passes on the pain to those that love you. SUICIDE is never an option.

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or you know someone that is, call these 

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