Feeling Suicidal?

Sometimes life can feel like it’s too much to bear.

It can feel like you’ve fallen into a very dark and worrying place. Where everything feels devastating and defeating, leaving you so overwhelmed you’re struggling to either think, or you’re drained you don’t want to think anymore.

When you feel like you’ve been sinking for so long it’s hard to hold out for hope.

The temptation may be to hide away, to keep yourself to yourself, or mask how you’re feeling.

This may feel like the safest option – or an option that you may feel won’t burden others - however, it’s crucial, more than ever, that you get the support you need and deserve.

Having suicidal thoughts can feel very lonely but it is something that happens to a lot of us.

This life can be incredibly testing and feeling like you can’t carry on is a very valid, very human, experience.

When you’re feeling suicidal, whether active (clear, specific thoughts about taking your own life) or passive (no intent to act on your thoughts) it is important to realise that these thoughts are no negative reflection of your character. Feeling suicidal is no indication of being weak, in fact, it’s more of a sign you’ve been strong for so long.

In fact, the stigma that surrounds suicide is not serving anyone. Too long has it been tied to guilt and shame when, in fact, bridging the subject of suicide can be the first steps towards emotional healing.

For those who feel there isn’t a close, trustworthy friend or relative for them to rely on, then there is an abundance of peer support groups and support organisations ready to lend an ear. Find our own list of suggestions enclosed at the bottom of the article.

Remember, having an imperfect conversation is better than none at all, so don’t feel like there is a right or a wrong thing to say. If starting a conversation feels too anxiety inducing to approach, try and plan talking points beforehand. This may regard the challenges you have been facing, the weight of the feelings you’ve been carrying, how it’s affected you and for how long for.

When speaking to someone – whether a loved one or a medical professional – it is helpful to be honest about the severity of what you’re going through. It can be very challenging to put into words what you’re going through, but it’s crucial to ensure you’re getting the right support you need.

When feeling suicidal you may be offered talking therapy as a treatment, which involves talking through your thoughts and feelings with a trained professional, for example a counsellor or therapist. Medications may be prescribed to help regulate low moods, typically this may include antidepressants which work by boosting the vital brain chemicals which help you function. If you are already taking medication the dosage and type may be reviewed.

Alongside this community mental health services may be recommended to you, where you can unite with professionals - and peers -working together to secure better mental health.

While waiting for any service, or medication, to start it’s imperative that you keep yourself safe. A Safety Plan is a list of resources and tools that are chosen and put in place by yourself – or in collaboration with a loved one or professional – to navigate any suicidal thoughts or urges.

Your own Safety Plan is fundamental in keeping you safe when experiencing a crisis, it’s your personal place where you can identify your triggers, make a note of important support contacts, list helpful distractions, breathing or mindfulness techniques to help ground you in the moment. You can download your own Safety Plan template by clicking here.

Experiencing suicidal feelings is so very wearing, when the body and mind is going through such heaviness it can feel so very hard to believe you’ll feel happy, or hopeful, ever again. With the right treatment and support those black clouds will begin to shift, so fight for those brighter, lighter days ahead.

To learn more about suicidal feelings and coping strategies the mental health charity Mind has provided a booklet you can access by clicking here.

Support Lines

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)

Tel – 0800 58 58 58

Visit – thecalmzone.net

Provides information and support for anyone affected by suicidal thoughts.

James’ Place

Tel – 0151 303 5757

Visit - www.jamesplace.org.uk

Free, non – residential therapy and support for men aged 18 and over in suicidal crisis.

The Mix

Text – 85258