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Information presented in this article may be triggering to some people.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
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For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
If you have been struggling withsuicidal thoughts, you are not alone.
Having thoughts of taking your own life is common among those dealing with severe depression.
Although it may be hard to see it when you are feelingdeeply depressed, there is hope.
Depression is a treatable illness and there are many options that can help you.
Don’t assume they’ll know what you want or need, because they may not.
For example, you might say, “Hi, Bob.
I’m calling because I’m feeling suicidal and I’m afraid that I might hurt myself.
Would it be possible to stay with you for a while since there are guns in this house?”
Set up an appointment with your family doctor or a psychiatrist to be evaluated and treated.
If you are already in treatment but are struggling, your doctor will be able to help you.
Treatment options for depression often involve the use of psychotherapy, medications, or a combination of both.
If you have already tried an antidepressant without success, don’t give up.
Sometimes it takes a few weeks for the medication to begin working.
And if you’ve been taking antidepressants for a while, stopping abruptly can result inwithdrawal.
Not everyone reacts the same to a specific medication.
It’s important to remember that either changing medications or adding additional ones can improve recovery rates.
Don’t give up on treatment too early.
These substances can intensify your feelings of sadness and hopelessness and make your situation worse.
Instead of trying to medicate your pain with substances, practice self-care.
Eat healthy foods, get some exercise, and double-check you’re getting enough sleep.
All of these activities can help you feel better.
Another option would be to get job skills training so you are more appealing to employers.
They get pushed to the back of your mind.
That’s why it’s helpful to remind yourself of these things from time to time.
One way to do this is to keep agratitude journal.
It may not take away your thoughts or feelings entirely, but you may notice that it helps.
Go out for a walk.
Seek out human contact.
Doing this will help distract you from your thoughts.
Someone who will listen when you’re feeling depressed or having suicidal thoughts.
This person can be anyone you trust, such as a friend, relative, clergy, or therapist.
Keep in mind that not everyone understands depression.
Therefore, whentalking to friends about your depression, let them know how they can help.
Ask them for their support and encouragement.
Distract Yourself
Easing your suicidal feelings can take time.
Think back to the steps you took that helped you before and do them again.
Most importantly, remind yourself that the painful feelings eventually passed.
You worked through them and emerged happier on the other side.
In cases where suicidal thoughts were present, patients tended to respond quickly to this particular therapy.
Like ECT, it’s targeted toward individuals who have not responded well to antidepressants.
It involves having a pulse generator surgically implanted under the skin of the chest.
