How To Manage Suicidal Thoughts

“Suicide is a permanent remedy to a temporary problem.” – Phil Donahue

Reena felt suicidal, and her family tried many unsuccessful attempts to help her. Finally, a psychiatrist was able to provide the best possible treatment. She was suffering from severe depression and SELF-HARM instincts that were leading her to suicide. This isn’t the first time this has happened. One might have seen in the newspapers that a “woman in her late 20s committed suicide with her two young children.” We might wonder what prompted the woman to take such drastic measures, without even considering the innocent children.

There was much buzz around the sudden death of Sushant Singh Rajput, which was deemed a suicide, and V G Siddhartha, founder of Cafe Coffee Day. It was a mystery to everyone why these people were able to take such an enormous step. After all, they were great achievers in their own lives.

All news outlets and newspapers get flooded with success stories, and sad stories about students who have committed suicide, as soon as the board exam results are announced. Then we talk about who is responsible, whether it is the parents, teachers, or the education system for the student who could not withstand the pressure of under performance. There may have been suicide reports from a couple, a battered wife, or anyone who felt depressed. We are left wondering what motivated them to take such a big step to end their lives. Sometimes we call them cowards. However, it is more difficult …. to end one’s own life. Isn’t it?

“The bravest thing that I did was to continue my life even though I wanted it to end.” – Juliette Lewis

A person who is in complete distress without any hope and the mood of doom persists for too long, much like a tragic, never-ending story, their suicidal instincts reach their peak. This forces them to make the final decision and leave their world.

Counselors often come across cases where people are feeling suicidal or have attempted suicide. Stress is the main reason. This could lead us to conclude that the suicide attempt is a coward. It takes courage to commit suicide. It hurts so bad right! How can one take one’s life ….?? The reason is that the inner pain of rejection or failure is so great that the external pain from Self Harm/Suicide attempts seems like nothing. The pain of death is not fearable because of the inner pain of rejection and failure. Hence, people choose suicide.

Why do people feel suicidal?

Suicidal feelings can come from many different reasons. What may seem silly to others could become a very difficult issue for them. The person then commits suicide.

• Extreme levels of stress
• Extreme levels of depression
• Having to deal with some psychological disorders
• Negative thought patterns or thoughts are a sign of a negative thought process
• Fear of rejection or failure in love or professional relationships
• A relationship going through rough patches
• Loss of hope and despair in your life
• Death of a loved one
• Feeling worthless
• Living with guilt
• Family disputes
• Feeling trapped in an environment
• Victims of sexual or physical abuse
• Victim of bullying
• Domestic violence victim
• Substance abuse is a major component
• Job loss
• Loss of hope in your life
• Failure in education
• Financial burdens
• Family disputes
• A terminal illness
• Stress in education
• Failure in business, life, etc.

We will not discuss how grave the situation might be. Attempting suicide is not an option. This will only make the situation more complicated. A continuous attempt to commit suicide is a serious mental disorder that requires medical attention and treatment by trained psychologists.

Suicide symptoms in a person

If a person wants to commit suicide, they will search for the fastest and most painless ways to do so. Suicide rates are higher when someone is suffering from depression and stress. These are the symptoms to look for so you can stay alert.

• Suicide-minded people will avoid their family, friends, and other people.
• Will read about how to end your life in simple steps
• Will talk more about death and life after death
• Spirituality is a new way to be
• Will attempt to part with personal items as a way to disconnect from the world.
• May talk to some close friends and may offer an apology for no reason
• When forced to speak, will be moody and display provocative behavior
• Will appear too happy or too sad for no reason
• Will try self-harm techniques
• They will say goodbye to their people as though they will never see them again
• Modified eating and sleeping patterns
• Suicidal thoughts are a constant part of daily life

Risk factors

Someone with a history of suicide attempts in the past is at high risk. However, they may succeed this time. These people need to be handled with care. Suicidal thoughts are on the rise due to the pandemic. Those with mental disorders and other health issues can also contribute to this increase. These people are more likely to attempt suicide, whether they are young, old, or children.

• People who have had suicidal thoughts in the past
• A mental disorder such as major depression
• PTSD, SH, bipolar disorder, or other disorders where triggers can lead to suicidal thoughts.
• A person who has suffered a significant setback in their life, such as a breakup, divorce, or loss of a job.
• Has come across infidelity from a partner
• Extreme levels of depression, stress, and anxiety

When should you see a doctor?

It’s an emergency if you, a friend, or a family member are experiencing the suicidal thoughts phase. It is important to immediately seek help from a psychiatrist, psychologist, or mental health specialist.

What can you expect from your mental-health expert?

A psychiatrist, psychologist, or mental health specialist will examine the situation and may prescribe medication to reduce stress and depression. To treat the condition, the doctor may recommend Counselling and CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy).

How to deal with suicidal thoughts

Suicide is not the way to put an end to all your problems. It can lead to new problems for the entire family. It is important to speak out if someone feels suicidal.

• Talk to a friend, family member, or senior member of the family to help you navigate through this difficult phase.
• Talk to someone about your problems
• Never stay alone. Always have a good company of a trusted person with a lot of positivity to share with you
• If any of your family members, or friends are going through Suicidal Thoughts, then never leave that person alone. It is very risky as the person may attempt suicide when left alone
• Always make sure you are with good people who are not judgemental and supportive
• To overcome co-morbidities, seek the advice of a doctor
• Accept life as it comes
• Spirituality is something you should practice. This will enhance your perspective on life
• You can count on the blessings and abundance in your life. You may be going through hard times, still, not everyone is blessed as you
• Use practicality and logical thinking to solve problems. Ending one’s life is not the right solution
• Make life more worthful by serving others who are desperately in need and less fortunate

How Counselling Can Help An Individual

The pandemic has seen a steep rise in emotional distress and the deteriorating mental well-being of people. The number of suicide and self-harm cases has seen an increase in numbers. Taking the help of counselors looks mandatory to keep the well-being stable and functioning.

Mental health experts are non-judgemental and provide thoughtful solutions to your problems. They are always there to listen to you and lend you a shoulder to rely on just like a reliable friend.

All the living creatures have some the other kind of extreme levels of difficulties in their lives. But one has to focus on improving the survival instinct. Your life may not be as good as heaven but it lies in your hands, to enrich it and make it a meaningful one and a standing example for others.!!

Note : Kindly contact your nearest health care facility/doctor/ counselor/psychiatrist for immediate care and relief. OnlineCounselling4U is NOT A SUICIDE HELPLINE.

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