Suicidal Thoughts and Self Harm

Suicidal Thoughts and Self Harm

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Even though a crisis can be growth towards healing, there may be times when it is extremely dark, terrifying, and dangerous; it is common to experience having suicidal thoughts and thoughts of self harm.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">There are, however, a lot of things that can help manage this distress, more of which can be found on this link: </span><a href="https://www.metanoia.org/suicide/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">https://www.metanoia.org/suicide/</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">The fact is </span><b>you are not alone </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">— other people have felt deep and terrible pain and come through it - you can too!</span> <ol> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Feeling suicidal does not have to mean giving up on life.</span></li> </ol> <span style="font-weight: 400;">If you are feeling suicidal it may be that you are desperate for things to be different. Wanting this life to end doesn’t rule out the possibility of a new, better life beginning, but you may feel like that is beyond reach right now. Imagine what a better life might look like, and see how it is possible to realise it if you stick around to find out what could happen. Turn some of that suicidal energy towards risking change in your life. Consider that it may be a behaviour pattern or life condition that you want to end. Ask yourself, “What inside me needs to die?”. </span> <ol start="2"> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Feeling suicidal often leads to isolation</span></li> </ol> <span style="font-weight: 400;">It’s vital that you find someone to talk with confidentially on a deep level, someone who is not going to judge or reject what you say. There is no need to feel ashamed of whatever you are feeling. Admitting our vulnerabilities can be terrifying, but once we open up it can bring a huge sense of relief. Sharing any plans with just one person can help to keep you safe.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Tips to keep yourself safe: </span> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Remember that your thoughts do not have to take charge; you can have them without acting on them</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you are feeling like hurting yourself; wait, even if it’s for 5 mins, but just wait, and breathe… this may be hard but it’s likely the intensity will subside</span></li> </ul> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Call a person or group you can trust to open up to about how you feel</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Find a safe way to express any emotions that are surfacing</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Call a helpline - you can find numbers on the back page</span></li> </ul>