Definition (1)
- Suicide: What to do when someone is suicidal
Prevention (1)
- Considering suicide? How to stay safe and find treatment
Risk factors (2)
- Depression (major depression)
- Teen bullying: What parents need to know
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Considering suicide? How to stay safe and find treatment
Make a plan
Create a "plan for life," "safety contract" or similar plan of action that you can refer to when you're considering suicide or are in a crisis. Such plans offer a checklist of activities or actions you promise yourself to take in order to keep yourself safe when you have thoughts of suicide.
For instance, your plan may require that you contact certain people when you begin considering suicide. It may also include commitments to take medication as prescribed, to attend treatment sessions or appointments, and to remind yourself that your life is valuable even if you don't feel it is.
Also, consider creating a list of specific activities to try when negative thoughts start to intrude. Do things you find soothing for your negative feelings. Don't wait to do these activities until you've reached the point of suicidal thoughts. Do healthy activities when the first negative thoughts start to creep in. Make certain they're activities that would normally offer enjoyment and that can help comfort you, not cause additional stress.
Even if the immediate crisis passes with your self-care strategies, see a doctor or mental health provider or seek help through a hospital emergency room. This will help you get appropriate treatment for suicidal thoughts and feelings so that you don't have to continually operate in a crisis mode.
Look beyond thoughts of suicide
The despair and hopelessness you feel as you consider suicide may be the side effects of an illness that can be treated or a difficult situation. These emotions can be so overpowering that they cloud your judgment and lead you to believe that taking your own life is the best, or only, option.
But even people who've had suicidal thoughts for months or years can learn to manage them and to develop a more satisfying life through effective coping strategies. Take an active role in saving your own life, just as you would help someone else. Enlisting others for support can help you see that you have other options and give you hope about the future.
Previous page(2 of 2)
- Barbara Woodward Lips Patient Education Center. Understanding Attempted Suicide. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2005.
- If you are considering suicide: American Association of Suicidology. http://www.suicidology.org/web/guest/thinking-about-suicide. Accessed Feb. 2, 2010.
- Suicide prevention. Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=crisis_suicide_suicide&printer_friendly=1#What%20You%20Can%20Do%20to%20Help%20Someone. Accessed Feb. 3, 2010.
- Depression. National Institute of Mental Health. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression/index.shtml. Accessed Feb. 2, 2010.
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