Understanding Suicide
If you are considering or have considered suicide, remember that you are not alone. Absent a physical or physiological cause, depression is often the precursor of suicidal thinking. Often the thinking is not acknowledged until it has progressed to a very serious stage. Suicide is not something about which to joke or take lightly, however, please realize that these thoughts could indicate a very normal, treatable condition. It is important to reach out in the early stages to limit the effects of depression and suicidal thinking.
What can you do?
Call your regular physician. They should be able to help you determine your physical and physiological condition and begin initial treatment. They can also refer you to additional sources of assistance.
Go to the nearest emergency room.
Follow up with referrals until you find help with which you are comfortable.
Limit drug, alcohol, caffeine and cigarette suse/abuse as thinking can be seriously effected and judgement impaired by drugs and alcohol use. Use medications as prescribed and consult your doctor if you suspect your frame of mind may be a medication side effect.
Exercise- exercise, even just walking for 30 minutes releases endorphins which make you feel better physically and emotionally.
Get sufficient rest- your mind will work best when it is best able to think clearly.
Eat right- give your body good food, in proper quantities at proper times especially during stressful times.
Meditation/consideration- set some time aside for allowing yourself to feel what you feel. This is not a waste of your time.
Control- what you can and realize you are not responsible for controlling the world, or even anyone else. Use calendars and budgets to control those areas of your life. A sense of control where it can be found will allow you to feel more confident toward a resolution of your mental health. Make a list of areas you think are out of control and search out and meditate on ways to gain some control in those areas.
Resolve- resolve issues that you can that arise from whatever source so that you don't carry that issue to the next one. this will prevent an overwhelming accumulation of issues or escalation of progression to suicide. Realize some issues or situations might not be able to be changed or resolved other than acceptance. Acceptance is not a sign of weakness.
Reject the notion or any thoughts that you are "crazy" and therefore not a valid person. Life is sometimes rough and requires adjustment. Hurt or misfortune do not undermine your personhood. It is ok to have trouble adjusting to harsh, unexpected or unwanted life changes.