Active thoughts about suicide involve clear and precise thoughts about taking your life. There are two categories of suicidal thoughts: active and passive.
In active suicidal ideation, a person has not only thought about killing themselves, but also about the means and plans to do it. On the other hand, in passive suicidal ideation, a person has thought about committing suicide but has not planned to do it.
Several factors influence suicidal thoughts or suicidal ideation. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be depressed to wish to stop living.
Why seeking help can be challenging
Whether active or passive, suicidal thoughts can leave you hopeless and trapped. Worse still, you may not know how to find help because of the potential responses from people around you:
- “But you have a great job, relationship, and children.”
- “You don’t look depressed” or “What’s stressing you, be thankful.”
- “I can’t believe you will hurt your family like this.”
While these are some of the responses you may get, remember people are willing to listen to and help you. Also, you are not alone since millions of people, including famous stars, have battled suicidal ideation.
Perhaps you’re having an issue you can’t resolve or feel in a hole you can’t dig yourself out. Here are ways to cope with suicidal thoughts or help someone from committing suicide.
How to cope with suicidal thoughts
1. Reach out
You’ve probably heard of Don Ritchie, who saved over 100 people at a famous suicide spot. His story shows you can save a person’s life with empathy and non-judgmental listening. Don’t make them feel guilty about their thoughts.
If you have suicidal thoughts, seek trusted friends or family who can listen without judgment. And if you don’t have a compassionate listener, seek a crisis counselor.
2. Don’t make your decision today
A suicidal crisis is always temporary. While it seems like your pain will never end, solutions are around the corner. Even mental health conditions like depression, bipolar, and schizophrenia are manageable.
So try focusing on making it through now or the day without significant decisions.
3. Remove yourself from dangerous situations
Some triggers may be responsible for your (or your loved ones’) suicidal thoughts. Different people have different triggers, be it music, old pictures, your loved one grave, or memories. Understanding your triggers may help you get to the root cause of your issues or at least get in control of your emotions or stress levels.
Also, it is essential to remove access to any dangerous means. If you have a gun, poison, medications, or other lethal means, try limiting your access to them. Or ask someone to do it for you.
4. Don’t medicate with drugs and alcohol
Alcohol and other drugs might seem helpful in getting rid of unwanted emotions or numbing your pain. But you’re making your stress or suicidal thoughts worse.
Drugs affect your decision-making, and different drugs may have other effects. For instance, some may cause hallucinations, paranoia, or confusion. You are more likely to intensify your suicidal thoughts.
5. Avoid being alone
Solitude is not a good place for suicidal thoughts. Most people want to spend their time alone when they feel like committing suicide, probably because they don’t judge anyone who can understand what they are going through.
But difficult as it may be, finding an activity or interaction that revolves around people is crucial.
6. Exercise
Exercise can also help you cope with suicidal ideation. It gives you something to look forward to and maybe some feel-good hormones.
Besides physical exercise, you can also try grounding exercises. Grounding techniques like short breathing, walking barefoot, cuddling something comforting, or finding soothing smells can help assuage stress or depression.
7. Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a type of meditation where we only focus on the present moment. You learn to be more aware of your emotions and feelings and learn to deal with them.
Remember, mindfulness is more challenging than many people assume. So if it’s not working for you, focus on other strategies.
Overcoming suicidal thoughts
Suicidal thoughts, whether persistent or intermittent, can leave you ashamed, hopeless, and trapped. But if you’re having such thoughts, don’t despair, but promise yourself you won’t act on them for “the next 24 hours.” Other strategies include mindfulness, breathing, avoiding drugs, reaching out, and seeking professional help from a crisis counselor if all fails.
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