When suicidal thoughts become persistent, what should you do?
Sometimes we go through such intense emotional pain and misery that we just want to crawl into a hole and be forgotten. Or just sleeping and not waking up so you can escape the emotional pain and distress. This is especially pronounced when it seems there is no hope and the future is bleak and things will never get better. So, in such situations, suicidal thoughts may start popping up in our heads as a way out of pain and misery.
However, this is very misleading and not factual. Because things are looking up and many people who have attempted suicide in the past, but luckily survived to tell their story, are happy that they failed because they have rediscovered happiness.
The key question we want to address is how to deal with such thoughts when they constantly become intrusive and one is going through emotional pain. How do you deal with such suicidal thoughts? What can you do? Who can you turn to for help in such circumstances?
It is also important to clarify some common misconceptions. Suicidal thoughts are not a reflection of weak faith in God or a character flaw. It doesn't mean you're crazy, weak, or flawed. It only means that you have more emotional pain than you can handle right now. But with time and good social and professional support, you can overcome your problems and the emotional anguish and suicidal feelings will pass. No matter how much pain you are feeling right now, you are not alone.
Why do I feel suicidal?
Many types of emotional pain can lead to suicidal thoughts. The reasons for this pain are unique to each of us, and the ability to cope with pain differs from person to person. We're all different. However, some common causes can cause us to have suicidal thoughts and feelings. The most common of all is depression - a medical diagnosis characterized by overwhelming feelings of sadness, fatigue and loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities. Simple tasks like getting out of bed, taking a bath, taking a phone call, etc. become very daunting tasks that seem too complicated. And the good thing is that depression is TREATABLE with full recovery.
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How can I help myself when I have suicidal thoughts?
We have already explained how to offer support to people with suicidal thoughts. Today we focus on what you can do if you are having suicidal thoughts.
Please do not take any impulsive action: The intense emotional pain you feel can distort your thinking, so it becomes more difficult to see possible solutions to problems. So give yourself time to think for a while and delay sudden actions. .
Get immediate help: Don't keep your suicidal feelings to yourself; find someone you trust and share. If you are unable to think of solutions other than suicide, it is not that other solutions do not exist, but rather that you are currently unable to see them. Mental health professionals, friends, or loved ones can help you see solutions that might not otherwise be apparent to you. Please give them a chance to help.
Avoid drugs and alcohol as they tend to cloud your judgment and concentration
Keep your home safe by removing anything that can potentially be used for self-harm.
Learn coping strategies; with the help of a professional, you can learn coping strategies tailored to your needs.
Be aware of all your triggers and look past suicidal thoughts.
Remember:
Thoughts of suicide can happen to anyone. But you DO NOT have to act on them. 8 This does not end suffering and pain. It simply transfers the emotional pain, grief and anguish to your loved ones - family, siblings, friends and colleagues.
Suicide attempts can hurt you and make you feel more pain and distress than you originally felt…. causing even more misery and regret.
And give it time. What if things were better tomorrow, next week, or next month?
No matter your situation, there are people who need you, places you can make a difference, and experiences that can remind you that life is worth living. It takes real courage to face death and take a step back. You can use this courage to learn coping skills to overcome depression and to find the strength to carry on.
For professional psychological first aid in Nigeria, you can contact any of these numbers:
Suicide Research and Prevention Initiative (SURPIN). Hotlines: 09080217555, 09034400009, 08111909909 and 07013811143.
Asido Foundation Helpline: 09028...
Sometimes we go through such intense emotional pain and misery that we just want to crawl into a hole and be forgotten. Or just sleeping and not waking up so you can escape the emotional pain and distress. This is especially pronounced when it seems there is no hope and the future is bleak and things will never get better. So, in such situations, suicidal thoughts may start popping up in our heads as a way out of pain and misery.
However, this is very misleading and not factual. Because things are looking up and many people who have attempted suicide in the past, but luckily survived to tell their story, are happy that they failed because they have rediscovered happiness.
The key question we want to address is how to deal with such thoughts when they constantly become intrusive and one is going through emotional pain. How do you deal with such suicidal thoughts? What can you do? Who can you turn to for help in such circumstances?
It is also important to clarify some common misconceptions. Suicidal thoughts are not a reflection of weak faith in God or a character flaw. It doesn't mean you're crazy, weak, or flawed. It only means that you have more emotional pain than you can handle right now. But with time and good social and professional support, you can overcome your problems and the emotional anguish and suicidal feelings will pass. No matter how much pain you are feeling right now, you are not alone.
Why do I feel suicidal?
Many types of emotional pain can lead to suicidal thoughts. The reasons for this pain are unique to each of us, and the ability to cope with pain differs from person to person. We're all different. However, some common causes can cause us to have suicidal thoughts and feelings. The most common of all is depression - a medical diagnosis characterized by overwhelming feelings of sadness, fatigue and loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities. Simple tasks like getting out of bed, taking a bath, taking a phone call, etc. become very daunting tasks that seem too complicated. And the good thing is that depression is TREATABLE with full recovery.
Related News
How can I help myself when I have suicidal thoughts?
We have already explained how to offer support to people with suicidal thoughts. Today we focus on what you can do if you are having suicidal thoughts.
Please do not take any impulsive action: The intense emotional pain you feel can distort your thinking, so it becomes more difficult to see possible solutions to problems. So give yourself time to think for a while and delay sudden actions. .
Get immediate help: Don't keep your suicidal feelings to yourself; find someone you trust and share. If you are unable to think of solutions other than suicide, it is not that other solutions do not exist, but rather that you are currently unable to see them. Mental health professionals, friends, or loved ones can help you see solutions that might not otherwise be apparent to you. Please give them a chance to help.
Avoid drugs and alcohol as they tend to cloud your judgment and concentration
Keep your home safe by removing anything that can potentially be used for self-harm.
Learn coping strategies; with the help of a professional, you can learn coping strategies tailored to your needs.
Be aware of all your triggers and look past suicidal thoughts.
Remember:
Thoughts of suicide can happen to anyone. But you DO NOT have to act on them. 8 This does not end suffering and pain. It simply transfers the emotional pain, grief and anguish to your loved ones - family, siblings, friends and colleagues.
Suicide attempts can hurt you and make you feel more pain and distress than you originally felt…. causing even more misery and regret.
And give it time. What if things were better tomorrow, next week, or next month?
No matter your situation, there are people who need you, places you can make a difference, and experiences that can remind you that life is worth living. It takes real courage to face death and take a step back. You can use this courage to learn coping skills to overcome depression and to find the strength to carry on.
For professional psychological first aid in Nigeria, you can contact any of these numbers:
Suicide Research and Prevention Initiative (SURPIN). Hotlines: 09080217555, 09034400009, 08111909909 and 07013811143.
Asido Foundation Helpline: 09028...
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