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Coping and support
By Mayo Clinic staffDon't try to manage suicidal thoughts or behavior entirely on your own. You need professional help and support to overcome the problems linked to suicidal thinking. However, be an active participant in your care. Along with getting the professional help you need, follow these self-care steps:
- Go to your appointments. Don't skip therapy sessions or doctor's appointments. Go to your appointments even if you don't want to or don't feel like you need to.
- Take medications as directed. Even if you're feeling well, resist any temptation to skip your medications. If you stop, your suicidal feelings may come back. You could also experience withdrawal-like symptoms from abruptly stopping an antidepressant or other medication.
- Learn about your condition. Learning about your condition can empower you and motivate you to stick to your treatment plan. If you have depression, for instance, learn about its causes and treatments.
- Pay attention to warning signs. Work with your doctor or therapist to learn what might trigger your suicidal feelings. Make a plan so you know what to do if suicidal thoughts return. Contact your doctor or therapist if you notice any changes in how you feel. Consider involving family members or friends in watching for warning signs.
- Get active. Physical activity and exercise have been shown to reduce depression symptoms. Consider walking, jogging, swimming, gardening or taking up another form of exercise you enjoy.
- Avoid drugs and alcohol. Alcohol and illegal drugs can worsen suicidal thoughts. They can also make you feel less inhibited, which means you're more likely to act on your thoughts.
- Seek help from a support group. A number of organizations are available to help you cope with suicidal thinking and recognize that there are many options in your life other than suicide. Such organizations include the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, Befrienders Worldwide and the National Hopeline Network.
References
- Schreiber J, et al. Suicidal ideation and behavior in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 9, 2010.
- Kennebeck S, et al. Evaluation and management of suicidal behavior in children and adolescents. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 9, 2010.
- Barbara Woodward Lips Patient Education Center. Understanding attempted suicide. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2005.
- Understanding suicide fact sheet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/pub-res/suicide_factsheet2008.pdf. Accessed Feb. 2, 2010.
- Logan J, et al. Characteristics of perpetrators in homicide-followed-by-suicide incidents: National Violent Death Reporting System - 17 US States, 2003-2005. American Journal of Epidemiology. 2008;169:9.
- The risk factors for suicide. American Association of Suicidology. http://www.suicidology.org/c/document_library/get_file?folderId=232&name=DLFE-186.doc. Accessed Feb. 2, 2010.
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