Feeling suicidal is one of the psychological problems that many people struggle with. Even if you are currently dealing with excruciating and constant pain, there are still ways to deal with suicidal thoughts and feelings and overcome this suffering. Perhaps the best solution is to consult a psychologist and psychiatrist.
What are the important points to pay attention to when feeling suicidal?
No matter how much pain and suffering you are experiencing right now, you should know that you are not the only one under pressure. Most of us have had suicidal thoughts at some point in our lives.
Feeling suicidal is not a sign of personality disorder. It doesn’t mean you’re crazy, weak, or deficient. This feeling just means that your pain is more than you can handle. But with the passage of time and the support of Atafians, you can overcome your problems and the pain and feeling of suicide will disappear.
You should know that even some of the best, most admirable and talented people have experienced this feeling at some point in their lives. Many of us have thought about ending our lives when we feel overwhelmed by depression and hopelessness. But the pain of depression can be treated and the lost hope can be restored.
No matter how bad your situation is. You should know that there are people who need you. There are places where you can make a difference and experiences that can remind you that life is worth living. b
It takes real courage to face death and step over the edge. You can use this courage to face life, learn coping skills to overcome depression, and find the strength to carry on. But remember that:
- Your feelings are not fixed
- Emotions are constantly changing. How you feel today may not be the same as you felt yesterday or the way you will feel tomorrow or next week.
- Your absence causes sadness and discomfort in the lives of your friends and loved ones.
- There are many things you can still do in your life.
- There are so many sights, sounds, and experiences in life that are so delightful that you haven’t experienced them and are missing out.
- Your ability to experience pleasurable emotions is equal to your ability to experience unpleasant emotions.
Why do we feel suicidal?
Different types of emotional pain can lead to suicidal thoughts. The cause of each of these pains is unique and the ability to cope with them varies from person to person. Although people are different, there are common causes that may cause us to experience suicidal thoughts and feelings.
Why does suicide seem to be the only option under the circumstances?
If you can’t think of a solution other than suicide, it’s not because there aren’t other solutions. But you are not able to understand them right now.
The intense emotional pain you are currently experiencing can distort your thinking. So it becomes more difficult to see possible solutions to overcome problems or connect with those who can support you.
Your therapists, counselors, friends, or loved ones can help you see solutions that may not have been apparent to you before. So it is better to give them a chance to help.
A suicidal crisis is almost always a fleeting feeling!
Although it may seem like your pain and discomfort will never end. But it is important to understand that these crises are usually temporary. Often solutions are found.
Your emotions change and positive things happen unexpectedly. Remember that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. So maybe it’s better to give yourself the necessary time to change the situation and let the pain subside.
There are solutions to even seemingly hopeless problems!
Mental and psychological issues such as depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder can all be treated with lifestyle changes, counseling and medication. Most people who seek help can improve their condition and be treated.
Even if you have already been treated for a mental disorder or have struggled to resolve your problems, know that it is often necessary to try different methods before finding the right solution or combination of solutions.
For example, when you are prescribed a drug, finding the right dose often requires constant adjustments. Don’t give up before you find the right solution. In fact, all problems can be treated and improved.
Necessary measures to deal with suicidal feelings
1) Promise not to do anything right now
Even if you are suffering a lot now, stay away from any action. Promise yourself: “I will wait 24 hours and do nothing special during this time.” or “I’ll wait a week.”
Thoughts and actions are two different things. Therefore, your suicidal thoughts do not have to become reality. There is no time limit on these thoughts, no one is pressuring you to act on them immediately. So wait and keep a distance between suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts.
2) Avoid using drugs and alcohol
Suicidal thoughts can become stronger if you have taken drugs or alcohol. It is important to avoid over-the-counter drugs or alcohol if you are feeling hopeless or have suicidal thoughts.
3) Secure your home
Get rid of things you might use to hurt yourself, such as pills, knives, razors, or guns. If you are unable to do this, move to a place where you can feel safe. If you think you may be overdosing, have someone give you your medications once a day as needed.
4) Don’t continue the feelings and thoughts related to suicide
Many of us find that the first step in dealing with suicidal thoughts and feelings is to talk about them with someone we trust. This trusted person can be a family member, friend, therapist, clergy, teacher, family doctor, coach, or an experienced counselor.
Find someone you trust and tell them how bad things are. Don’t let fear, shame and embarrassment stop you from getting help. If the first person you contact doesn’t seem to understand, find someone else.
Sometimes just talking about how you got to this stage in your life can take a lot of pressure off your shoulders and help you find a way to cope.
5) Have hope
Even people who have felt as bad as you have been able to survive these feelings. So have hope.
There is a very good chance that you will get through this stage and leave these feelings behind. No matter how much self-loathing, despair, or isolation you may be experiencing right now. Just give yourself time and don’t try to deal with it alone.
6) Getting help
There are many people who want to support you during this difficult time. Even if you don’t feel like it right now. Communicate with them. Do it now.
If you have given yourself 24 hours or a week in the first stage, use this time and tell others what is going on inside you. Talk to someone who won’t try to discuss how you’re feeling, judge you, or just “get over it.”
Find someone who can easily listen to you and be there for you. It doesn’t matter who this person is. It is enough to be someone you trust and who is likely to listen to you with compassion and acceptance.
How to talk to someone about suicide?
Even when you’ve decided who you can trust and talk to, it can be difficult to accept that another person is having suicidal thoughts. Therefore, you may need to pay attention to the following things in this conversation:
- Tell him exactly what you tell yourself. If you have a suicide plan, explain it to him.
- Phrases like “I can’t take it anymore” or “I’ve run out of patience” are vague and do not indicate what the serious issues are. Tell someone you trust that you are thinking about suicide.
- If talking is too difficult for you, try writing and handing a note to someone you trust. Or send him an email or a text and sit next to him while he reads it.
What if your suicidal feeling is not understood?!
If the first person you contact doesn’t seem to understand, talk to someone else, or call a suicide crisis line. Don’t let a bad experience stop you from finding someone who can help you.
How to deal with suicidal thoughts?
Remember that although these suicidal thoughts and feelings may seem like they will never end, the situation is never permanent. You will definitely feel better again. In the meantime, there are some ways to help cope with suicidal thoughts and feelings. We will examine some of the most important ones below.
- Talk to someone, preferably face to face, every day: Although you feel withdrawn, ask trusted friends and acquaintances to spend time with you. Or call a friend and talk about your feelings.
- Set up a secure app: Develop a set of steps you can follow during a suicidal crisis. This plan should include contact numbers for your doctor or therapist, as well as friends and family members who can help you in an emergency.
- Make a written plan for yourself every day and stick to it no matter what happens: Keep a regular schedule whenever possible, even when your emotions are out of control.
- Spend at least 30 minutes a day in the sun or in nature: Exercise as much as is safe for you. At best, consider 30 minutes of exercise a day. But you can start small. Three 10-minute activities can positively affect your mood.
- Make time for things that bring you joy: Even if few things bring you joy now, force yourself to do the things you used to enjoy.
- Remember your personal goals: You might like to travel to a certain place, read a certain book, have a pet, move to another place, learn a new hobby, do volunteer work, go to school, or start a family. Write down your personal goals.
What should be avoided to eliminate the desire to commit suicide?
- Being alone: Loneliness can worsen suicidal thoughts. To escape loneliness, it is better to spend time with a friend or family member.
- Alcohol and drug use: Drugs and alcohol can increase depression, impair your ability to solve problems, and cause you to act without thinking.
- Doing things that make you feel worse: Listening to sad music, looking at certain photos, reading old letters or visiting a loved one’s grave can increase negative emotions.
- Thinking about suicide and other negative thoughts: Try not to engage in suicidal thoughts. Because this can strengthen them. Do not think and reconsider negative thoughts. Distract yourself. Taking a break from suicidal thoughts, even if only for a short time, can help.
Improving suicidal thoughts
Even if suicidal thoughts and feelings have subsided, it is still better to seek help from a trusted person. Experiencing this type of emotional pain is a traumatic experience in itself. So finding a support group or therapist can be very helpful in reducing the likelihood of feeling suicidal again in the future.
5 steps to improve suicidal feelings
1) Triggering factors or situations that lead to feelings of despair or suicidal thoughts. Identify things like the anniversary of someone’s loss, alcohol use, or relationship stress. Find ways to avoid these places, people or situations.
2) Take care of yourself. Eat right. Do not skip meals and get enough sleep. Exercise is also important: exercise releases endorphins, relieves stress and improves mental health.
3) Build your support network. Surround yourself with positive influences and people who make you feel good about yourself. The more you invest in people and your community, the more you lose. Instead, it helps you stay positive and on the road to recovery.
4) Develop your new activities and interests. Find new hobbies, volunteer activities, or work that gives you meaning and purpose. When you do things that you find satisfying, you’ll feel better about yourself and you’ll be less likely to feel hopeless again.
5) Learn to deal with stress in a healthy way. To manage your stress levels, use healthy methods such as exercise, meditation, using sensory strategies for relaxation, practicing simple breathing exercises, and challenging negative thoughts.
