(*Possible trigger) I was quite shocked when I started my research for this article. I like to look for facts and there was actually no evidence that suicide rates go up over the holiday period at all, according to the Centre for Disease Control. (Call me your personal mythbuster.) I was under the impression that suicide rates would skyrocket with so many services being closed, but there are actually loads of places that are available to support you through this time.
Lets just keep this article short today as we know its not an easy subject to talk about. I’ve got some sites for you to look at if you need help, and I’ve got a few suggestions to help with those feelings. (Taken from many personal feelings of others in crisis).
Crisis Support
If you are in a crisis and you are in danger please call emergency services for help. Also, have a little look on https://www.samh.org.uk/about-mental-health/suicide/suicide-prevention and also https://www.mind.org.uk/ because they have lots of numbers for organisations that can help depending on your circumstances. There are so many reasons that you could be feeling this way and only you will know which service will suit your needs.
How can Distraction Help?
Something that may just help you is distraction. It sounds really simple, and whilst not underestimating the seriousness of the situation, suicidal feelings can pass sometimes within in the space of half an hour, we can actually feel much different. Some of the suggestions found when doing this research were a few ideas as simple as watching a film, listening to music, reading, exercising playing a game, or even be creative.
Break it down into small activities
It may feel like these are not things you can achieve when you feel so low, so just make it smaller. Listen to your favourite song. Read a short article. Walk outside to the end of the street then turn back. Watch a half hour programme. Play one game on your phone, or do one puzzle, or even just start one puzzle. It doesn’t have to be a huge profound action that changes everything instantly, all it needs to do is divert your thoughts to something more positive for a short time. Do not be hard on yourself if you manage to the bedroom and jump into bed instead of making it, you are still moving around.
Safety Precautions
If you really feel like harming yourself, try to try to find ways to keep yourself safe by locking medications away or ask friends or family to only give you the medication you need for a little while. Share your thoughts with trusted family members or a friend. Put sharp objects away in a hard to reach place for the time being.
Remind yourself of reasons to live. No matter how small they might seem right now. Write them down and add to this list whenever you can.
Try calling Lifeline, https://www.lifelinehelpline.info/i-need-help or you can use https://samaritanshope.org/our-services/24-7-helpline/ and call their number on 988. They also have a safety plan you can download and fill in when you feel able.
Stay safe everyone. M
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