When Life Doesn't Seem Worth It
Having thoughts of suicide is
common when people feel depressed, anxious,
frustrated, down on themselves or otherwise upset.
When you are in such a frame of mind, suicide seems
like a reasonable way out of a hopeless situation. It
is vital to recognize the falseness of such feelings,
no matter how real they seem. Your situation is not
hopeless and your pain is not unbearable. There are
actually many things you can do! Here are some
suggestions:
1. Have a plan. Decide what you
will do if such feelings come up. Talk to your
therapist about it before you have a crisis. If you
don't have a therapist, get one right away. Having a
plan helps to reduce the likelihood of having such
thoughts and if you do, keeps them in check.
2. Remove all easy opportunities
for suicide, such as weapons, medications, etc. Lock
them up, give them away, put them in storage, let
someone else keep them for you.
3. Write out your thoughts and work
at disputing and changing depressing, anxious,
suicidal thoughts. For example, if you are thinking,
"My life sucks", try changing this to, "Some things
about my life suck, but I may be able to change them
and many other things about my life are okay".
4. Fight your feelings by doing the
opposite of what you feel like doing, for example:
- Do something physical like going
for a walk, exercising, etc.
- Call a friend or someone with
whom you can talk.
- Get out of the house/apartment.
- Go shopping, to a movie, to
church or any other activity you enjoy.
- Do something nice for yourself,
like take a hot bath, buy yourself a treat, etc.
5. Do NOT turn to drinking or
drugging. This might help you feel better
temporarily, but it will probably just make matters
worse.
6. If you are still feeling
suicidal, instead of doing anything harmful to
yourself, try the following:
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