What to Do About Suicidal Thoughts
On average, nearly 130 Americans die by suicide each day, that is 1 death every 11 minutes. And it is the second leading cause of death in people aged 10 to 35. Despite the prevalence of suicide, it’s something that people have trouble talking about. If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, it’s important to know that you are not alone. Many people experience suicidal thoughts when they feel overwhelmed by the pain in their life. Suicidal thoughts can be effectively treated with the right intervention and psychiatric care for many people.
What are suicidal thoughts?
Suicide describes a death that is the result of self-injurious actions. Whereas suicidal thoughts can encompass a range of feelings, including feeling like the world would be better off without you or making a specific plan for how to end your life. These thoughts can affect anyone, regardless of gender, age, or background.
In addition to having suicidal thoughts, you might experience other symptoms of depression, such as:
- Feeling hopeless and believing things will never get better
- Lack of energy and motivation
- Intense feelings of guilt
- Constant negative thoughts
- The feeling of isolation or disassociation
- Poor sleep, changes in appetite, and weight
- Poor self-esteem
- Desire to self-harm
Suicidal thoughts can develop in many people due to severe depression and can be triggered by a significant life challenge or obstacles, such as depression, bullying, loss of loved ones, housing problems, addiction, trauma, abuse, or any big life change. This means that many people feel suicidal as they struggle to cope with life. These feelings are intense and scary, but there are ways to deal with them.
How to cope with suicidal thoughts?
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, there are ways to help yourself cope with these thoughts.
Remove any dangerous items.
If you feel you might be an immediate risk to yourself, it’s essential to remove any dangerous items in your homes, such as guns, knives, or other potentially lethal objects.
Avoid using drugs and alcohol.
Increased drug and alcohol use is associated with self-destructive and poor impulse control.
Talk to a trusted friend or loved one.
Reach out to your support system including Family members, Friends, Care providers, and emergency services. Even if you don’t feel social, sometimes just reaching out to another person can help distract you from suicidal thoughts. You don’t have to talk about your thoughts if you don’t want to, but you might be able to share your feelings and get support over time.
Contact a helpline
If you don’t have anyone to talk to in your life, you could contact a crisis helpline. These helplines are anonymous and staffed by trained responders who can help you navigate a crisis.
Plan activities
Keep in mind the things and activities that brought you joy. Try to schedule these activities during the day. You can also boost your mood by spending time outside and exercising.
Treatment of Conditions associated with the suicidal thoughts
Conditions associated with suicidal thoughts can be frightening but they are manageable. Combining antidepressant medication with psychotherapy is very effective for most patients who are suffering from depression.
Psychotherapy
Talk therapy, counseling, or psychotherapy can be helpful. It provides a safe and non-judgmental environment to help you understand complicated situations, resolve complex feelings and reflect on your actions and choices.
There is hope for those who feel like their life isn’t worth living. You can overcome these feelings and live a fulfilled life with treatment. You can contact Boston Neurobehavioral Associates. The providers at Boston Neurobehavioral Associates offer integrative care for people with stress. If someone is struggling with managing stress, the exceptional team at Boston Neurobehavioral Associates that is now offering services in Rhode Island can help. You can book an appointment by visiting www.bostonneurobehavioral.com or calling us.