Suicidal thoughts or suicidal behavior commonly result in people with depression, panic disorders, traumatic conditions, and other stress-related conditions. But not all people experience these symptoms, yet people with these conditions have high-risk chances. However, even the mere doubt of suicidal thoughts in a person should take seriously, or else it makes the person try their first attempt.
Some people may think that if a person with suicidal thoughts once attempts suicide, they might not try another time. That’s not the truth; if the person attempts suicide once, there will be more chances for a next time!
How To Cope With Active Suicidal thoughts
First, understand that suicidal thought can affect anyone. These thoughts don’t signify a defect, weakness, or flaw in you. There is no reason to feel guilty or humiliated about them, so be open about suicidal thoughts and share with your family and friends or consult a doctor.
These actions can assist you in staying safe as you attempt to obtain more extensive long-term support if you’re thinking about suicide or are actively considering it:
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1. Make contact.
Family members or friends are the ones who you can trust, can listen and provide emotional support in these conditions. They can also aid in keeping you safe. A psychotherapy counselor or a teletherapist is also a great option if you don’t know who else to ask for help since they will listen to you with empathy and advise you on who to contact. -
2. Move to somewhere safe.
It can be simpler to prevent acting on suicidal ideas by getting to a safe place. It may be your friend’s home, favorite restaurant, shopping mall, or any public place where you feel comfortable and can divert your suicidal thoughts. -
3. Restrict yourself from harmful things.
Thinking of safety is the priority when there is a risk of suicidal thoughts. Get rid of all the harmful things or weapons like sharp items, and lock them up as unreachable. Also, avoid taking medicines and keep them away. You can also ask your family members to keep the medication with them and hand over the exact dose when to take it. -
4. Avoid alcohol and other substances.
People think drinking alcohol and taking some other substances may numb the suicidal thought. But the truth is, the substances like these worsen your situation quickly. -
5. Grounding techniques.
Doing breathing exercises, playing with a pet, or going for a walk can ideally change your mind and divert your thoughts from suicide. Following these grounding techniques help people in stressful situations instantly.
Whatever the measure or methods you choose, suicidal thoughts may not be resolved immediately, and dealing with them may require time and expert assistance. However, taking the first steps toward controlling these ideas at that moment can assist you in gaining enough distance to recover some hope and investigate longer-term therapeutic options.
Passive Suicidal Thoughts Management
Passive suicidal thoughts are not dangerous but need to be taken care of immediately as they can trigger at any time. Recognizing the signs of suicidal thoughts and suicidal behavior can reduce the chances of becoming active.
The signs include hopelessness, being inactive, insomnia, frequent thoughts and talks about dying, suggesting separation and independence from loved ones, wishing to die, etc. If any of these signs are identified, the person must need to be observed.
Here are some tips for coping with passive suicidal thoughts –
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Engaging in activities like chatting with friends or spending more time with family members help you find the reasons to keep living. Also, helps you soothe gloomy or unpleasant thoughts and perhaps revive some sensations of delight.
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Reading an excellent book may make you remember how eager you are to read the next edition of the series.
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Going for a long jog with your dog may make you remember their unwavering love and company.
Along with the above-mentioned coping methods for both active and passive suicidal thoughts, looking for a therapist is the most suggested and effective method to save a person’s life. Fortunately, working with professionals is generally the best way to manage suicidal thoughts.
Psychotherapies like CBT, DBT, individual therapy, couple counseling, and many others can help people control suicidal thoughts based on their emotional trigger factors. You can also avail of these psychotherapy services online at Teletherapy MN to have your pricy and confidentiality.