Making Sense of Suicide

Suicidal thoughts are real.

It can be useful to have a plan when such thoughts make an entrance.  What strategies can we put in place when they turn up?

Often those who feel suicidal are depressed.  Depression can be worked through - but it never really goes away for some people.  It always seems to be hanging around.

It is important to recognise suicide depression has little to do with kind of life a person lives.  It can be an amazing life.  But depression does not discriminate.  Sometimes medication can mess with the chemicals of the brain. 

When suicide is an illness, it is stronger than the person. Regardless of how good life is.  It is important to talk openly about our suicidal thoughts - but we may need help to do so. 

We are taught to detect the sign of a heart attack/stroke - so why not suicide?

Strategies?

- make sure the means to commit suicide have been removed

- remain in close contact with one or two people

- share your thoughts/feelings with these people

- go to A and E if you can

- phone an emergency number eg Samaritans

- make a list of thing which so far have prevented you from        committing suicide

- create a safety plan

- talk to someone asap

Once you feel more settled, talk to a GP/therapist or other professional to find out the reasons why you feel the way you do.

For an easy to read book,  'Depression: the Curse of the Strong' by Dr Tim Cantopher is a good place to start

Tags:

suicide depression chemicals