
Five Steps to Overcoming Suicidal Thoughts
Here are five tips towards overcoming suicidal thoughts that can help move you away from hurting yourself and towards recovery.
Here are five tips towards overcoming suicidal thoughts that can help move you away from hurting yourself and towards recovery.
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Suicidal thoughts can be very difficult to deal with or understand. Sometimes they can be fleeting, but other times they can be stronger urges and fantasies that promise relief from seemingly unbearable pain.
Even if you think you won’t ever act on them, all suicidal thoughts need to be taken seriously – the earlier you can address them the better.
Though it can be tough to remain hopeful, there are ways to overcome suicidal thoughts.
Here are some tips to fight back against thoughts about ending your life as they happen. We also a more comprehensive page looking at both short and long term strategies on how to stop suicidal thoughts.
Thoughts of suicide can hit hardest when you’re in a potentially dangerous area or situation (waiting for a skytrain, driving, standing on a balcony, or near guns, weapons, or other potentially harmful objects).
You can also ask a trusted friend or family member to put away potentially harmful instruments (e.g., weapons, rope) so you don’t have to go near them, or hold on to any extra medications until you need them.
Suicidal thoughts can be scary, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Slowing your breathing helps reduce your heart rate, while also shifting your attention away from whatever thoughts you’re having.
There are many ways to do this and some will work better for you than others. The goal is to work towards shifting your attention away from the negative thoughts of hurting yourself onto something else. It can be tough at first, but the more you practice the more you’ll be able to distance yourself from these unwanted thoughts.
Often, when you feel overwhelmed your muscles tighten without realizing it. (Your shoulders or jaw may flex, or you may clench your hands into fists).
In addition to the steps above, reaching out is crucial. Even if you don’t think the thoughts are that serious, talking about them with others is an important step to addressing and taking away the intensity of these thoughts. Surround yourself with people you care about, rather than shutting down and isolating yourself. For people to help – you have to let them know what’s going on.
If you need more urgent support, don’t hesitate to call 911. Your safety is your first priority and there are professionals out there who want to help. More on how to Reach Out In a Crisis.
Part of recovering from depression is learning to overcome these types of thoughts and feelings, without getting further bogged down on yourself for having them.
Having suicidal thoughts can be alarming, but they do go away. Try to figure out the best strategies for you, so you can weather any storm.
Next Steps:
How to Stop Thinking About SuicideHow to Reach out in a Crisis