This September has served as a reminder that mental illness is one of the major health issues affecting many people worldwide. Suicide is among the leading causes of death in America. Although it’s a complex topic to discuss, keeping silent about it can lead to tragic results. New Horizon Counseling Center has identified the following tips to help those suffering from suicidal thoughts.
Identify Triggers
Identifying the things that trigger negative thoughts or undesirable emotions is helpful. This can be a difficult process, but it can significantly help those who suffer from suicidal thoughts deal with their situations. Recognizing these triggers can also help prevent a suicide attempt and also aid in finding ways to cope with these triggers. For example, if someone has been bullied by classmates, they may wish to avoid places where they might see those classmates, such as the hallway at school or the gym at night.
Get Support
Support groups or friends can help those who suffer from suicidal thoughts realize that they are not alone. Professionals at New Horizon Counseling Center help individuals with mental health issues understand their illness, manage the symptoms and gain the necessary skills to live in a more independent setting. The stigma associated with mental illness and therapy is a thing of the past. Individuals can seek treatment without worrying about what others might think.
Use the Buddy System
While this may have been an effective method in elementary school when pairing up for recess games, it is also effective for preventing suicide. If one person is suffering from suicidal thoughts, their friend can help them stay active and send a reminder that they have a support system.
People in a suicidal state may not recognize that they are preventing their death by staying mobile. With the help sent to them via cell phones, e-mail, or even text messages, they may feel that someone truly cares about them.
Do Not Blame Yourself
One common problem that people who suffer from suicidal thoughts experience is the feeling that they have failed all their loved ones. The reality is that it is not the fault of the individual to have these thoughts. Many factors are at play when people suffer from suicidal thoughts, and it can take time to discover what has led to these feelings.
Talk to Healthcare Providers
It can be challenging to speak with a healthcare professional regarding these thoughts. But those who suffer from suicidal thoughts must do so. Talking to someone specifically trained in these topics can bring hope into the situation and allow individuals to feel as if they are being heard.
Conclusion
At New Horizon Counseling Center, we are committed to helping you find your way out of the darkness. By working with physicians and psychiatrists, we offer support groups based on your needs. We can help you uncover what is going on in your life and provide you with the counseling that will begin to rebuild your life. Contact us today.
