Are You Feeling Suicidal?

Even though your pain may seem overwhelming and permanent at the moment, there are ways to deal with suicidal thoughts and feelings and overcome the pain.

I’m having suicidal thoughts, what do I need to know?

No matter how much pain you’re experiencing right now, you’re not alone. Many of us have

had suicidal thoughts at some point in our lives. Feeling suicidal is not a character defect,

and it doesn’t mean that you are crazy, or weak, or flawed. It only means that you have

more pain than you can cope with right now. But with time and support, you can overcome

your problems and the pain and suicidal feelings will pass.

Some of the finest, most admired, needed, and talented people have been where you  are now. Many of us have thought about taking our own lives when we’ve felt overwhelmed by

depression and devoid of all hope. But the pain of depression can be treated and hope can

be renewed. No matter what your situation, there are people who need you, places where

you can make a difference, and experiences that can remind you that life is worth living. It

takes real courage to face death and step back from the brink. You can use that courage to

face life, to learn coping skills for overcoming depression, and for finding the strength to

keep going. Remember:

1. Your emotions are not fixed – they are constantly changing. How you feel today may

not be the same as how you felt yesterday or how you’ll feel tomorrow or next week.

2. Your absence would create grief and anguish in the lives of friends and loved ones.

3. There are many things you can still accomplish in your life.

4. There are sights, sounds, and experiences in life that have the ability to delight and lift

you – and that you would miss.

5. Your ability to experience pleasurable emotions is equal to your ability to experience

distressing emotions.

Why do I feel suicidal?

Many kinds of emotional pain can lead to thoughts of suicide. The reasons for this pain are unique to each one of us, and the ability to cope with the pain differs from person to person.

We are all different. There are, however, some common causes that may lead us to

experience suicidal thoughts and feelings.

 Why suicide can seem like the only option -

If you are unable to think of solutions other than suicide, it is not that other solutions don’t

exist, but rather that you are currently unable to see them. The intense emotional pain that

you’re experiencing right now can distort your thinking so it becomes harder to see possible

solutions to problems, or to connect with those who can offer support. Therapists, counselors, friends or loved ones can help you to see solutions that otherwise may not be

apparent to you. Give them a chance to help.

A suicidal crisis is almost always temporary

Although it might seem as if your pain and unhappiness will never end, it is important to

realize that crises are usually temporary. Solutions are often found, feelings change,

unexpected positive events occur. Remember: suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Give yourself the time necessary for things to change and the pain to subside.

Even problems that seem hopeless have solutions -

Mental health conditions such as depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder are all

treatable with changes in lifestyle, therapy, and medication. Most people who seek help can

improve their situation and recover. Even if you have received treatment for a disorder

before, or if you’ve already made attempts to solve your problems, know that it’s often

necessary to try different approaches before finding the right solution or combination of

solutions. When medication is prescribed, for example, finding the right dosage often

requires an ongoing process of adjustment. Don’t give up before you’ve found the solution

that works for you. Virtually all problems can be treated or resolved.

Take these immediate actions:

Step #1: Promise not to do anything right now

Even though you’re in a lot of pain right now, give yourself some distance between thoughts

and action. Make a promise to yourself: “I will wait 24 hours and won’t do anything drastic

during that time.” Or, wait a week.

Thoughts and actions are two different things—your suicidal thoughts do not have to

become a reality. There is no deadline, no one’s pushing you to act on these thoughts

immediately. Wait. Wait and put some distance between your suicidal thoughts and suicidal

action.

Step #2: Avoid drugs and alcohol

Suicidal thoughts can become even stronger if you have taken drugs or alcohol. It is

important to not use nonprescription drugs or alcohol when you feel hopeless or are

thinking about suicide.

Step #3: Make your home safe

Remove 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.

Step #4: Don’t keep these suicidal feelings to yourself

Many of us have found that the first step to coping with suicidal thoughts and feelings is to

share them with someone we trust. It may be a family member, friend, therapist, member of

the clergy, teacher, family doctor, coach, 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. And if the first person you reach

out to doesn’t seem to understand, try someone else. 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.

Step #5: Take hope – people DO get through this

Even people who feel as badly as you are feeling now manage to survive these feelings. Take hope in this. There is a very good chance that you are going to live through these feelings, no matter how much self-loathing, hopelessness, or isolation you are currently experiencing.

Just give yourself the time needed and don’t try to go it alone.