![]() Listening to music, savoring a favorite food or beverage, or looking at photos (or videos) of people and animals you love can help you feel calmer and less distressed. ![]() Not sure how to get started? A crisis counselor can also talk (or text) you through trying them out. Going for a short walk, cuddling a pet, and 4-7-8 breathing are all examples of grounding techniques that can help you stay in the present during a moment of intense distress. Drinking alcohol or using substances might seem helpful for numbing painful and unwanted emotions, but you might find they actually worsen depression and suicidal thoughts. They can offer one dose at a time so you don’t have access to excess pills. A friend or family member can help you remove these items or stay with you, especially if you need to continue taking medication. Safety also means staying away from weapons, medications, or other possible methods of suicide. You might try a library or other public space, a friend’s house, or somewhere else you feel comfortable, like even a different room in your house. Getting to a safe location can make it easier to avoid acting on suicidal thoughts. If you’re not sure who to turn to, start with a crisis counselor: They’ll listen with compassion and offer guidance on ways to reach out. Trusted loved ones can listen and offer emotional support. If you’re considering methods of suicide or actively thinking about ending your life, these steps can help you stay safe while you work on getting more longer-term support: They’re nothing to feel guilty or ashamed over, either - no matter your situation. These thoughts don’t represent a weakness, flaw, or personal failing. What to do if you’re experiencing active suicidal thoughtsįirst, know that anyone can experience suicidal thoughts. But you do have options for getting support with handling these thoughts. It’s natural to want to put a stop to pain and unhappiness, and suicidal thoughts might surface when you can’t envision a way out from your distress. Often, suicidal thoughts simply mean you’re experiencing more sadness and pain than you know how to manage. You can also have these thoughts even if you don’t have depression, or any other mental health diagnosis (more on that below). In fact, 12 million adults in the United States seriously thought about suicide in 2019, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). What many people don’t realize is that suicidal thoughts are fairly common.
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