Suicide Prevention: Tips & Understanding
It may have been the loss of a loved one or difficulty finding work.There are many reasons why someone may be dealing with suicidal thoughts, and it is vital that we are educated, so that we may help others with this serious issue.
How much do you know about suicide? There are a lot of statistics and facts about suicide, but it is also important to know the underlying cause and most importantly the resources that are available to anyone feeling this way. Read more to find out information about suicide, possible symptoms and signs and resources available.
Cause of suicidal thoughts
The first important thing to know about suicide is that you are not along in this struggle! It may not be understood why you may be feeling this way, there are some underlying healthy conditions that may increase your feelings and emotions. Some problems that have been associated with suicide include:
- Loss of a person or animal close to you
- Anxiety disorder
- Medical condition
- Drug or alcohol dependency
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
Health History
It is always important to know your family history and what you may potentially develop as you get older. When it comes to various anxiety and depression disorders, sometimes these may be common in your family and it is important to talk with your doctor about that. If you have begun feeling more sad and depressed than normal, try to talk with your family or friends about how your feeling. This can sometimes help you find out if this is something more serious.
Coping with suicidal thoughts
It may be difficult to talk with someone about how you are feeling, especially when you are not fully understanding how you feel. There are activities that you may want to try to help you think more positive. These options include:
- Talking with someone daily
- Exercising
- Making personal goals
- Doing things that make you happy
- Making a safety plan when you get on a low
- Walk outside or in nature for 30 minutes
While finding things to make you happy may be the easy part, it is also just as important to stray away from activities or people that may bring you down to a sad or emotional state.
Some things to try to avoid may include:
- Avoiding alcohol or drugs
- Abstaining from activities that may make you sad (ex. Music, photographs etc.)
- Thinking about negative thoughts
Resources Available
There are local and national resources available to you if you aren’t too sure how you are feeling and what it means.
Some of the resources include:
- National Hopeline Network: 1-800-SUICIDE
- The Trevor Project (geared for LGBTQ): 1-866-488-7386
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK
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Used under Creative Commons Licensing courtesy of Tuan Le