Suicidal Thoughts: What They Say about You and How to Deal with Them

Published by
Sherrie Hurd, A.A.

Suicidal thoughts – what do they really mean? Are we only expressing hidden emotions? How do you see those who contemplate suicide?

I will step lightly because to speak of suicide is to make a general assumption about all sorts of things. I have heard many statements and even entertained suicidal thoughts myself, and I understand this topic to be something classified according to the individual.

We just cannot know for certain what causes suicidal thoughts, when it concerns individual reasonings. So, as with other sensitive topics, I will provide any facts available to me, while I state my own opinion.

Suicide is serious. If you don’t believe me, then check out statistics of this monster.

  • Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S.
  • Suicide accounts for 1.4% of all deaths in the world.
  • Around 800,000 people die of suicide every year.

What do your thoughts say about you?

Suicidal thoughts usually stem from two distinct forms of stimuli: Emptiness or Desperation. Now, that’s as close to the foundation of suicide that I care to share.

There are many other reasons as well, reasons that are hard to explain, even impossible to decipher. Mind you, this is just my opinion. I have, however, studied mental illness and suicide for quite some time and realize that you don’t have to be mentally ill to have these thoughts.

Does this make you a bad person? Not at all. Does this make you a coward? Of course not. In fact, suicide isn’t a cowardly act at all. For those who criticize others for their suicidal thoughts, stop right there! I bet you’ve had the same thoughts yourself!

So calling people who have suicidal thoughts cowards, is quite an insensitive thing to do. What’s wrong with this world is that people aren’t taking others seriously when suicidal thoughts begin to surface.

Here’s a secret: Most of you have thought about suicide at least once in your lifetime. You may never have told anyone about your secret thoughts, but I already know.

Thinking about checking out of this life is extremely easy, and for those who have suffered many years of trauma, suicide is even romanticized. Now that’s a truly disturbing thought.

Some things about mental illness you need to know

One of the main symptoms of mental illness is having suicidal thoughts. With depression and bipolar disorders, these thoughts can come and go as rapidly as eat or drinking.

During the day, a sufferer of mental illness can have suicidal thoughts more than a dozen times, if it has been a rather complex day or a day filled with more than the average amount of triggers. This is why it is so important to talk about these things, even if they are dark and disturbing.

What should I do about my suicidal urges and reasonings?

I have found that releasing information has a therapeutic effect on these issues. Suicidal thoughts, when relayed to a trusted friend or family member can be talked through.

Having this “sounding board” you might say, gives you the opportunity to see things from their perspective, providing hope and reassurance, thus sharing reasons why the world still needs you around.

Hey, one person does really matter and can truly make a difference if they choose to stick around and see. Remember, if you commit suicide, you will never know whether or not it was going to get any better. If you stick around, you give the world a chance to become brighter. In so many words, I heard this before. I carry it with me for strength.

I am in no way advocating suicide. I want to get that clear right now! What I am saying is that if you think about suicide, you’re not alone and it doesn’t make you a freak for doing it.

Now, the important aspect is knowing how to deal with those thoughts when they come. Here are a few things to always keep in mind.

Talk to someone

If you’re having suicidal thoughts, please talk to someone, NOW! Don’t worry about how you look or sounds; what’s important is that you find a way to release those thoughts and allow yourself to see things in a different way.

Seek professional help

Never be ashamed to seek professional help, especially if you feel like you cannot talk to others. There is always someone to help you if you allow this. If you’re drowning, here’s a lifeline: 1-800-273-8255. Someone is available 24 hours a day to speak with you.

Make promises and keep them

Promise yourself that you will try one more time, one more day and then give yourself one more chance at enjoying life. The key here is to make this promise every day, over again and then keep it!

Don’t give up! There are so many beautiful reasons to live, so remind yourself of this every day as you keep your promises for one more try. Life always gives us another chance and it’s worth it.

Stay safe

Make sure you have no access to weapons and this will give you time to “come down” from the suicidal thought high. Many times, when depression hits hard, those thoughts get pretty powerful.

So, if the home is void of weapons or anything that can be used to harm yourself, you can ride out the worst parts of a depressive episode.

For loved ones

If a loved one or family member is having suicidal thoughts, don’t panic. Stay calm and listen to them. Offer advice but never berate them. It’s important to show respect to those who have these thoughts while reminding them why you believe that suicide is never the answer.

Having suicidal thoughts doesn’t make you a bad person or a coward. It simply means that you need help. Never be afraid to ask for this help either, it could make the difference that you need.

Talking with someone could even change your entire view of suicide altogether. I send you my love and ask you to promise me one thing.

…Just give it one more try.

References:

  1. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/

View Comments

  • i wonder why the authors on learning mind do not publish their full name? When I post comments I am proud to put my full name on my compositions .

  • PS I can now understand why some authors do not put their full name as it can give them freedom to explore sensitive issues
    I would also like to suggest , would learning coping techniques also help
    I am working on an alphabetical index of how people have learned how to cope . The end goal it to provide people with options
    A admire leaders they need our support
    Abuse recognized that some people are abusive of others . If they are close they should be asked to change. If they are unwilling we should limit or cut off our contact with them
    Art creating, admiring, studying art can be relaxing
    Alcohol in small amounts can be relaxing It unfortunately can turn into a costly addiction that has ruined many lives
    Ask learn how to ask for help is very important
    Associate with like minded people who are working to make the world better working on the things that concern you . Many people have no idea what leaders or organizations are doing about the things that concern then . They think inaccurately that no one cares
    Breath slow relaxing healing breaths is fundamental to many meditation techniques The use of mantra puts a space between what is troubling us and the need to put it down and relax. If is is really important we can pick it up later to assess the options of dealing with it
    Communicating can be a challenging issues especially about difficult subjects Take the time to plan what you want to say when approaching difficult subjects with those you would like to resolve issues. This while realizing the other person should be given time to think about how they want to proceed or if they want to

    Victor Hugo holocaust survivor wrote about his experience and finding hope and growing CBC radio has podcasts about him
    It is not that some people are not taken seriously I view it as the general public is ill equipped or uneducated to deal with mental health issues or the serious abuse, trauma, incidents people have experienced. That said there are compassionate informed individuals who can help. The first crucial step is seeking help. I am also of the belief that learning project management / or life skills to manage difficulties, and plan how to take better care of ourselves can help .
    Wise people limit the amount of junk food sugar and fat contaminated
    Wise people limit the amount of junk entertainment (violent , fake reality shows some talk shows ) they do not nurture our mental and physical health
    I wonder if is better to relabel suicidal thoughts as a challenge, a project and not a monster as challenges and projects can be addressed one small step at a time.
    Best wishes

    • Gordon,

      Thank you for reading. I love this! I hope that I can copy this for my own personal notes because I sometimes need to read these thoughts. Options - oh yes, options are great ways to deal with this! Thank you so much. I really don't know why I never published my full name. I guess it would be a complicated set of answers paired with factors and excuses. Maybe one day, I shall publish it. :)

  • People do urge they understand the ones with such thoughts but I urge they can't
    No one can understand the other with a mental problem

    • they can't even understand if the other has a mental disability, let alone a mental problem..............................

    • Most people cant.. but there is a rare few that does, those feel what you feel and understand because they do not try to define anyone within the limits of their own experience.

    • Yeah u r right , but only a few ppl understand where as the rest try the hardest to deny its a mental condition , this z what my personal experience judges

    • I guess to deny a problem takes less effort than to atleast try and help. Ive never agreed how some people can just turn their backs on others, but i understand that not everybody is strong enough or willing to really make a difference.

    • Whatever is wrong with you wont be fixed by attacking people on a facebook post but lemme clear it up for you "it" is the article and "they" are people with suicidal toughts..

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Published by
Sherrie Hurd, A.A.