How to avoid suicidal thoughts and embrace a happier life

Suicidal thoughts are a very serious matter and should be taken seriously. They can occur for many reasons, including depression, anxiety, trauma, and more. However, there are steps you can take to avoid these thoughts and keep yourself safe. In this blog post, we’ll explore some strategies for avoiding suicidal thoughts and promoting good mental health.

Causes of suicidal thoughts

Causes of suicidal thoughts may include mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, as well as traumatic experiences like abuse, violence, and the loss of a loved one. Substance abuse, chronic pain, financial problems, and relationship issues may also contribute to suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, it’s crucial to seek professional help as they can be a symptom of a severe underlying issue requiring treatment.

How to avoid suicidal thoughts

Build a Strong Support System

Having a strong support system is crucial when dealing with suicidal thoughts. This can include family, friends, mental health professionals, and support groups. It’s important to have people in your life who you can turn to when you’re struggling, who can provide emotional support, and who can help you find resources and treatment options.

If you’re struggling to build a support system, try reaching out to a therapist or counselor. They can help you identify people in your life who can support you or help you connect with support groups in your community.

Practice Self-Care

Self-care is essential for maintaining good mental health and avoiding suicidal thoughts. This means taking care of your physical and emotional needs. Some examples of self-care activities include:

• Eating a healthy diet
• Getting enough sleep
• Exercising regularly
• Engaging in activities that bring you joy
• Spending time outdoors
• Practicing mindfulness and meditation

Remember, taking care of yourself is not selfish. It’s important to prioritize your well-being and make time for the activities that help you feel good.

Challenge Negative Thoughts

Negative thoughts can fuel feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, which can lead to suicidal thoughts. Learning to challenge these negative thoughts is an important step in avoiding them. Some strategies for challenging negative thoughts include:

• Identifying negative self-talk and replacing it with positive or more realistic thoughts
• Practicing gratitude and focusing on what you’re thankful for in your life
• Writing down negative thoughts and then disputing them with evidence that contradicts them
• Talking to a trusted friend or therapist about negative thoughts and feelings

Remember, negative thoughts are just thoughts. They do not define you, and you have the power to change them.

Focus on the Present Moment

Focusing on the present moment is a powerful tool for avoiding suicidal thoughts. It can help you stay grounded and calm, rather than getting caught up in worries about the past or fears about the future. Some strategies for staying present include:

• Practicing mindfulness and meditation
• Engaging in activities that require focus, such as yoga or painting
• Taking deep breaths and focusing on the sensations in your body
• Noticing and appreciating the small moments of joy in your day

Remember, the present moment is all we have. Embrace it and find ways to enjoy it.

Create a Safety Plan and stay safe

Creating a safety plan is a crucial step in avoiding suicidal thoughts. A safety plan is a written plan that outlines the steps you will take if you begin to feel suicidal. It should include:

• The names and contact information of people you can reach out to for help
• Coping strategies that have worked for you in the past
• Emergency resources, such as the phone number for a crisis hotline or the address of your nearest emergency room
• Triggers that may lead to suicidal thoughts and strategies for avoiding or coping with them

Remember, it’s important to create a safety plan with the help of a mental health professional or trusted friend or family member. They can help you identify the resources you need and ensure that your plan is comprehensive and effective.

Treatment for suicidal thoughts

The treatment of suicidal thoughts typically involves a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and support from loved ones.

Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, involves working with a mental health professional to identify and address the underlying issues that are contributing to suicidal thoughts. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and interpersonal therapy (IPT) are some of the most effective types of therapy for addressing suicidal thoughts.

Medication can also be used to treat suicidal thoughts, particularly in individuals with depression or anxiety disorders. Antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and mood stabilizers are commonly prescribed to help manage symptoms.

In addition to psychotherapy and medication, support from loved ones is crucial in treating suicidal thoughts. This can include talking openly about your feelings with family and friends, joining a support group, or connecting with a crisis helpline. Many people found that the 1st step to coping with suicidal thoughts and feelings is to share them with someone we trust.

It’s important to remember that treatment for suicidal thoughts is highly individualized, and what works for one person may not work for another. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, it’s essential to seek help from a mental health professional who can provide personalized treatment and support. With proper treatment and support, it is possible to overcome suicidal thoughts and live a fulfilling life.

Conclusion

Suicidal thoughts can be incredibly difficult to deal with, but they are not inevitable. By building a strong support system, practicing self-care, challenging negative thoughts, focusing on the present moment, and creating a safety plan, you can avoid these thoughts and promote good mental health. Remember, it’s important to seek help if you are struggling with suicidal thoughts. Don’t be afraid to reach out to a mental health professional, a trusted friend or family member, or a crisis hotline for support.

There are many resources available to help you navigate this difficult time and they offer free and confidential support to individuals in crisis. You can reach out to anyone you feel comfortable talking to. If there is no one available to be with you, call 911 or a suicide prevention line. You can also reach out to your local mental health clinic or hospital for assistance.

Remember, you are not alone in this struggle. There is hope, and there is help available. By taking proactive steps to care for your mental health, you can avoid suicidal thoughts and live a fulfilling life.