The National suicide rate is so high it gets higher by day. There are about a dozen reasons that contribute to suicidal actions which are maybe, country’s GDP, individual happiness, freedom, and a couple more.
The shadow of suicide is long and it doesn’t just put the victim in loss, it also puts the people attached to them in loss forever. Mental health plays a major role in our lives as human and it calls for no levity. The society sometimes feels harsh, rude and it takes some level of rude to also stay in it.
I don’t know how suicidal thoughts look like but with cases of people all around, this thing grows and get so deep they fall into depression and finally give in. This is never a debate of how strong we are as humans for those who healed but how quickly they realized, took charge and spoke out for necessary actions.
This leads us to if crying out for help really helps as a safety plan in crisis. Suicidal people don’t usually ask for help, but that doesn’t mean help is not needed. It takes a good amount of courage to cry out for help when one’s mental health isn’t in the right frame.
Before we go on to seeking out for help, what are the signs to look out for in suicidal patients? Suicidal patients always give warning signs which could help as a safety plan. These signs include frequently talking about death or dying, always depending on alcohol and drugs to pass by time, personality change, attempted suicide before or have a family history of suicide. If you by chance notice any of these, immediately seek help.
Safety Plans
To handle suicidal thoughts professionally, a suicidal patient may want to see a psychologist or a therapist who would efficiently handle such case and mask out a plan alongside the patient. Aside from working with a psychologist, you can choose a confidant or a friend you sincerely trust to work with. Why you are including a confidant is because of accountability and if you decide to execute your plan. A safety plan should be written with a clear mind and should always be in check in case the need to execute it arises.
In creating your safety plan, there are steps you should consider and they include;
- Acquaint yourself with thoughts, feelings, situations, and images that usually precede the suicidal urge. In knowing them, you would know how to properly tackle them in the future if they arise.
- What activities can you engage in to calm yourself when suicidal? For some, listening to music works, some fall back to writing, exercising and lots more. Activities carried out for some people, serve as therapy.
- Reiterate your reasons for living. Gratitude journal highlights your positives. The positives can include your aspirations, goal, dream, family, and loved ones. Making the list can help a suicide patient refocus attention on things that actually matter.
- Who and who can you talk to help you through stormy times? Having a list of trusted individuals like your parent, friends, and mentor goes a long way too.
Finally, talk to professionals and mental health professional for therapy sessions. Equally, book an appointment. Your mental health is something you should embrace and care for daily.