AN EXPERTS INSIGHT ON SUICIDE PREVENTION AND STEPS TO CONTROL YOUR URGE OF SELF-HARM

Suicidal feelings can affect anyone irrespective of their age, gender or financial background. Various kinds of emotional pain at times can lead to thoughts of self-harm or suicide. The reason and ability to cope with pain differ from person to person. You will find yourself stuck in a maze when you don’t know for sure what has caused you to feel this way in the first place. If the situation worsens, it firms the belive that pain and unhappiness will never end but it is important to realize that the state of crisis will pass.

Solutions are often found, feelings change, unexpected positive events occur. Give yourself the necessary time for things to change and the pain to subside. Remember: suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.

There is not just one but many scenarios that can make you feel suicidal. Some of these are –
• Mental health problems
• Events of Bullying
• Sexual, Physical or Emotional Abuse
• Bereavement
• Long-term physical Pain or Illness
• Adjusting to a big change, such as retirement or redundancy
• Financial Problems
• Isolation or Loneliness
• Addiction or Substance Abuse
• Cultural or Societal Pressures
• Doubts about your sexual or gender identity

Why suicide can seem like the only option?
If you are feeling suicidal you have likely been experiencing a growing sense of hopelessness and worthlessness for some time. If you are unable to think of solutions other than suicide, it is not that other solutions don’t exist, but currently, you are unable to see them. The intensity of the emotional pain that you’re experiencing right now distorts your thinking so it becomes harder to see possible solutions to problems or to connect with those who can offer support. Therapists, counselors, loved ones or friends can help you to see solutions that otherwise may not be apparent to you.

If you are unsure of why you feel suicidal, you may find it even harder to believe that there could be a solution. Always remember: Each problem that seems hopeless has solutions. Do not give up before you’ve found the solution that works for you. Try these immediate actions to prevent suicide and self-harming thoughts.

1: Promise not to do anything right now
Even though you’re in a lot of pain right now, give your grief some time. Create a healthy distance between your negative thoughts and action support. Make a promise to yourself: “I will wait a week and won’t do anything drastic during that time.” And this is the time to seek help!

2: Make your home safe
Remove things you could use to harm yourself, such as pills, knives, razors, or firearms. If you are unable to do so, go to a place where you can feel safe. If you are thinking of taking an overdose, give your medicines to someone who can return them to you one day at a time as needed.

3: Avoid drugs and alcohol
Suicidal thoughts can become even stronger if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It is important to not use nonprescription drugs for Sleeping disorders, Depression and Anxiety or alcohol when you feel hopeless or are thinking about suicide.

4: Don’t keep these suicidal feelings to yourself
The first step to coping with suicidal thoughts and feelings is to share them with someone you trust. It can be a friend, family member, friend, therapist, teacher, family doctor, coach, or an experienced counselor at the end of a dedicated suicide helpline. Many times, all we need is a new perspective in life and these are the times when Cognitive Behavioral Therapy really helps.

5: Hold on to Hope – you will get through this!
No matter how depressed you are, how low you are feeling, you have to remind yourself that everything will get better eventually. Have patience and keep the hope alive. The best time of your life is yet to come and the breakthrough you have been waiting for might be at the next turn you are about to take in life. For that, you have to live, wait and see!

Don’t let fear or embarrassment prevent you from seeking help. And if the first person you reach out to doesn’t seem to understand, try someone else. Just talking about anxiety and how you got to this point in your life can release a lot of the pressure. So above all in such times, Talk to a Friend!