About Suicide

There are times in life when we might feel totally hopeless, helpless and overwhelmed with emotional pain. It can seem like there is no other way out of our problems, we've run out of ideas and possible solutions. Our problems seem unfixable. The pain feels like it will never end. We believe we've run out of options, and suicide is the only answer left. Suicidal thoughts can result when we experienced too much pain, without having enough resources to cope.

We therefore have two ways to get us through this horrible time:

• Reduce our pain
• Increase our coping resources

• Vision: watch a favourite film or programme, look at something nice in nature, or at a picture or photo you really like.
• Hearing: listen to music (but not anything that you know makes you feel sad), get outside and listen to birdsong, trying singing some of your favourite songs.
• Smell: put on your favourite scent, wash your hands with a nice smelling soap, find a food that smells nice.
• Taste: use the sense of taste to focus your attention, eat slowly and mindfully, enjoying each mouthful.
• Touch: find something comforting to wear, stroke a pet, cuddle someone or something – e.g. a soft toy or pillow.

• Breathe slowly, concentrating on breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth.
• Listen to a relaxation CD or app, or find relaxation techniques online, such as these: sittingtogether.com/meditations.php.

• Whilst it seems like they help for a while, they will make your problems worse.

• Are these thoughts facts or my opinion?
• What has helped me feel better in the past?
• What can I do right now that will help me feel better?
• What gives my life meaning? What are my goals, dreams or life values? e.g. Family, friends, helping others, faith, connecting with nature.

• I've coped this far, I can get through the next .... (day, hour, 10 minutes).
• Things will look better in time.
• Depression is temporary - this will pass.
• Depression is distorting my thinking - these thoughts are the voice of depression. They are not facts. I don't have to act on them.
• The vast majority of people get better from depression. I will look back.

You only need to get through the next hour, then the next day and the next week and so on. Focus on the next step – on getting through the next few minutes.

Try distracting yourself – gardening, cleaning, take some exercise, reading, watching TV, go for a walk, do a puzzle or crossword, cook a meal, draw a picture, visit someone, call a friend...

Make sure you remember to eat and drink healthily, avoid drugs and alcohol, get enough sleep and take regular exercise – all of these help to improve your mood.

Call a friend or family member; a helpline – e.g. the Samaritans, go somewhere you can be safe and with other people, call a health professional or go to the Emergency department of your local hospital.

Life can feel more manageable if you have a set routine for each day: get up at the same time each day and aim to go to bed at the same time each day – plus plan in activities for the morning, afternoon and evening. Do things you enjoy doing – or used to enjoy doing and make sure there are things in your day which help nourish you, instead of having your day either empty or filled with things that drain you and leave you feeling low.

Often, we try really hard to get everything done and expect far more of ourselves than we would of other people. Sometimes, to help us cope and make life seem more manageable, we need to slow things down and reduce the struggle. It’s not giving up or giving in, it’s a way of helping us keep going.