How is it feel to be suicidal?
People often ask me this question because I post a lot of suicidal thoughts on my social media accounts. Most of them are my friends and relatives, but I don't usually share to them the real reason of what I feel because there's one time one of my classmate ask me why am I so depressed in social media and I told him why but he just said to me that I'm just overreacting to things that were not supposed to. I really thought he will understand my side but he disappoints me so from that time, I decided not to tell others what's in my mind and just post it instead. But that was before not until I manage how to deal with it. What I did I read a lot of articles about coping up suicide in order to overcome this illness and thank God, I made it.
If you’re thinking about suicide, your pain may seem overwhelming and permanent. But there are ways to cope with suicidal thoughts and feelings and overcome the pain.
If you’re having suicidal thoughts, no matter how much pain you’re experiencing right now, you’re not alone. Always find a friend to uplift you by drowning. Many of us have had suicidal thoughts at some point in our lives, but always think that the're lots of things to be happy so if you're having suicidal thoughts always think the memories that brought joy in your life like your family, friends, interests and etc. Feeling suicidal is not a character defect, and it doesn’t mean that you are crazy, or weak, or flawed. It only means that you have more pain than you can cope with right now. But with time and support, you can overcome your problems and the pain and suicidal feelings will pass.
Some of the finest, most admired, needed, and talented people have been where you are now. Many of us have thought about taking our own lives when we’ve felt overwhelmed by depression and devoid of all hope. But the pain of depression can be treated and hope can be renewed. That's what I learned from my experience. Just try to find yourself even more and understand it then move on. Moving on is the only way to overcome situations like this because if you let yourself stay on what you are right now you'll missed the opportunity to be happy.
Even problems that seem hopeless have solutions. So don't loose hope there will be a rainbow after the rain, you may having a bad situation right now but it doesn't mean that you have a bad life. At some point in our life we need to be tested in order to be prepared for the next battle in our journey.
HOW TO COPE WITH SUICIDAL THOUGHTS
-Remember that while it may seem as if these suicidal thoughts and feelings will never end, this is never a permanent condition. You WILL feel better again. In the meantime, there are some ways to help cope with your suicidal thoughts and feelings.
THINGS TO DO:
•Talk with someone every day, preferably face to face. Even though you may feel like withdrawing, ask trusted friends and acquaintances to spend time with you. Or continue to call a crisis helpline and talk about your feelings.
•Make a safety plan. Develop a set of steps that you can follow during a suicidal crisis. It should include contact numbers for your doctor or therapist, as well as friends and family members who will help in an emergency.
•Make a written schedule for yourself every day and stick to it, no matter what. Keep a regular routine as much as possible, even when your feelings seem out of control.
•Get out in the sun or into nature for at least 30 minutes a day.
•Exercise as vigorously as is safe for you. To get the most benefit, aim for 30 minutes of exercise per day. But you can start small. Three 10-minute bursts of activity can have a positive effect on mood.
•Make time for things that bring you joy. Even if very few things bring you pleasure at the moment, force yourself to do the things you used to enjoy.
•Remember your personal goals. You may have always wanted to travel to a particular place, read a specific book, own a pet, move to another place, learn a new hobby, volunteer, go back to school, or start a family. Write your personal goals down.
THINGS TO AVOID:
•Being alone. Solitude can make suicidal thoughts even worse. Visit a friend, or family member, or pick up the phone and call a crisis helpline.
•Alcohol and drugs. Drugs and alcohol can increase depression, hamper your problem-solving ability, and can make you act impulsively.
•Doing things that make you feel worse. Listening to sad music, looking at certain photographs, reading old letters, or visiting a loved one’s grave can all increase negative feelings.
•Thinking about suicide and other negative thoughts. Try not to become preoccupied with suicidal thoughts as this can make them even stronger. Don’t think and rethink negative thoughts. Find a distraction.
•Giving yourself a break from suicidal thoughts can help, even if it’s for a short time.
RECOVERING FROM SUICIDAL THOUGHTS
-Even if your suicidal thoughts and feelings have subsided, get help for yourself. Experiencing that sort of emotional pain is itself a traumatizing experience. Finding a support group or therapist can be very helpful in decreasing the chances that you will feel suicidal again in the future.
STEPS FOR RECOVERY
•Identify triggers or situations that lead to feelings of despair or generate suicidal thoughts, such as an anniversary of a loss, alcohol, or stress from relationships. Find ways to avoid these places, people, or situations.
•Take care of yourself. Eat right, don’t skip meals, and get plenty of sleep. Exercise is also key: it releases endorphins, relieves stress, and promotes emotional well-being.
•Build your support network. Surround yourself with positive influences and people who make you feel good about yourself. The more you’re invested in other people and your community, the more you have to lose—which will help you stay positive and on the recovery track.
•Develop new activities and interests. Find new hobbies, volunteer activities, or work that gives you a sense of meaning and purpose. When you’re doing things you find fulfilling, you’ll feel better about yourself and feelings of despair are less likely to return.
•Learn to deal with stress in a healthy way. Find healthy ways to keep your stress levels in check, including exercising, meditating, using sensory strategies to relax, practicing simple breathing exercises, and challenging self-defeating thoughts.
If there was a Read.Cash pin, this should be on it. Your article would help a lot of people. I'd add that it is good to be accountable. Get in touch with the Befrienders. They are located globally and are trained to help those suffering from depressions and suicidal thoughts. Here's the site link, you should be able to find a local chapter - https://www.befrienders.org/. Otherwise, find a local church equipped with professional counselling staff. They can provide the needed support.