{"id":1785,"date":"2016-10-19T07:05:19","date_gmt":"2016-10-19T07:05:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/depressionhelp\/?p=1785"},"modified":"2016-10-11T23:16:37","modified_gmt":"2016-10-11T23:16:37","slug":"coping-with-suicidal-thoughts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/depressionhelp\/2016\/10\/coping-with-suicidal-thoughts.html","title":{"rendered":"Coping With Suicidal Thoughts"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"coping<\/a><\/h3>\n

Coping with suicidal thoughts: the first steps<\/h3>\n

You’re not alone. Feeling suicidal doesn’t mean you’re flawed, crazy, or broken. It means you have more pain than you can cope with right now.<\/p>\n

Step #1: Promise not to do anything right now<\/h3>\n

Even though you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n

Thoughts and actions are two different things\u2014your suicidal thoughts do not have to become a reality. There\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Step #2: Avoid drugs and alcohol<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Step #3: Make your home safe<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Step #4: Take hope\u2014people DO get through this<\/h3>\n

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\u2019t try to go it alone.<\/p>\n

Step #5: Don\u2019t keep these suicidal feelings to yourself<\/h3>\n

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 friend, a therapist, a member of the clergy, a teacher, a family doctor, a coach, or an experienced counselor at the end of a helpline. Find someone you trust and let them know how bad things are. Don\u2019t let fear, shame, or embarrassment prevent you from seeking help. Just talking about how you got to this point in your life can release a lot of the pressure that\u2019s building up and help you find a way to cope.<\/p>\n

If you don\u2019t know who to turn to:<\/span><\/h4>\n

In the U.S.<\/strong> \u2013 Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or the National Hopeline Network at 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433). These toll-free crisis hotlines offer 24-hour suicide prevention and support. Your call is free and confidential.<\/p>\n

Outside the U.S.<\/strong> \u2013 Visit\u00a0IASP<\/a>\u00a0or Suicide.org<\/a> to find a helpline in your country.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Toss me a comment or two below. I\u2019d love to hear from you.\u00a0Also please consider subscribing to my blog and feel free to follow me on Twitter<\/a>, or \u201clike\u201d my Facebook<\/a> page. Thanks!<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Coping with suicidal thoughts: the first steps You’re not alone. Feeling suicidal doesn’t mean you’re flawed, crazy, or broken. It means you have more pain than you can cope with right now. Step #1: Promise not to do anything right now Even though you\u2019re in a lot of pain right now, give yourself some distance…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":578,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8,9,10],"tags":[2,40,47,175,6],"class_list":["post-1785","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-depression-help-2","category-suicide","category-suicide-prevention","tag-depression","tag-stigma","tag-stress","tag-suicide-prevention","tag-terezia-farkas"],"yoast_head":"\nCoping With Suicidal Thoughts - Depression Help<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Coping with suicidal thoughts: the first steps. You're not alone. 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