5 Things You Should Never Do When Facing Suicidal Thoughts
When grappling with suicidal thoughts, it’s crucial to recognize actions that can worsen your situation. Understanding what to avoid can help you navigate these challenging moments more safely. Here are five critical things you should never do when experiencing suicidal thoughts.
1. Isolating Yourself:
Why it’s harmful: Isolation can intensify feelings of loneliness and hopelessness. Human connection can provide emotional support and perspective.
Example: Jane feels overwhelmed and starts avoiding her friends and family, staying in her room all day. Her loneliness increases, and her thoughts become darker.
What to do instead: Reach out to trusted friends, family members, or support groups. Engage in social activities, even if you don’t feel like it.
Example: Jane calls her best friend to talk about how she’s feeling. They go for a walk together, and Jane feels a bit relieved sharing her burden.
2. Using Drugs or Alcohol:
Why it’s harmful: Alcohol and drugs can worsen depression and impair judgment, making it more likely to act on suicidal thoughts. They can also disrupt sleep, which is critical for mental health.
Example: Tom starts drinking heavily to escape his suicidal thoughts, which only makes him feel more depressed and impulsive.
What to do instead: Seek healthier coping mechanisms such as exercise, meditation, or creative activities.
Example: Tom decides to go for a run when he feels overwhelmed. The physical activity helps clear his mind and boosts his mood.
3. Making Major Life Decisions:
Why it’s harmful: Suicidal thoughts can cloud judgment and lead to decisions that might not be in your best interest long-term. Big changes during a crisis can add more stress and uncertainty.
Example: Sarah is experiencing severe depression and considers quitting her job, which provides her with stability and support.
What to do instead: Delay major decisions until you’re feeling more stable.
Example: Sarah talks to her supervisor about taking some time off to focus on her mental health, rather than making a hasty decision to quit.
4. Engaging in Risky Behaviors:
Why it’s harmful: Risky behaviors can lead to accidental harm or escalate feelings of guilt and shame, further complicating your emotional state.
Example: John starts driving recklessly when he feels overwhelmed, putting himself and others in danger.
What to do instead: Choose safe activities that can help distract and calm your mind.
Example: John picks up a paintbrush and starts painting, an activity he enjoys and finds calming.
5. Keeping Suicidal Thoughts Secret:
Why it’s harmful: Dealing with these thoughts alone can increase feelings of isolation and despair. Keeping it a secret prevents you from getting the support you need.
Example: Emily hides her suicidal thoughts from everyone, feeling too ashamed to talk about them. She feels increasingly isolated and hopeless.
What to do instead: Share your feelings with someone you trust.
Example: Emily confides in her sister about her thoughts. Her sister listens without judgment and helps Emily find a therapist to talk to.
Seeking Professional Help
Therapy and Counseling:
Example: Alex begins seeing a therapist weekly. Through therapy, Alex learns coping strategies and finds it helpful to talk openly about his feelings.
Medication:
Example: Maria visits a psychiatrist who prescribes antidepressants. With medication and regular therapy, Maria begins to feel more balanced and less overwhelmed.
Support Groups:
Example: Jamie joins a support group for people experiencing depression. Sharing experiences with others who understand helps Jamie feel connected and supported.
Immediate Steps
Create a Safety Plan:
Example: Chris writes a safety plan that includes warning signs (e.g., feeling extremely hopeless), coping strategies (e.g., taking a walk, calling a friend), and emergency contacts (e.g., a trusted family member, therapist).
Remove Access to Means:
Example: Kelly asks her partner to lock up their medications and keep the key. This step helps reduce the risk of impulsive self-harm.
Reaching out for help and connecting with others is crucial in navigating through suicidal thoughts. There are many resources available to support you through these challenging times.
Disclaimer
The content of this blog is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please seek immediate help from a mental health professional or contact a crisis helpline.
All names and examples used in this blog are fictional and any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. The information provided is based on general knowledge and should not be used as a substitute for professional consultation.
