Suicidal thoughts are hard to deal with as they intrude throughout the day or during hard times. While there’s often an underlying cause, such as a situation in your life or a mental health condition, learning to cope with thoughts of suicide will help you work through them and reduce the likelihood of you acting on negative feelings. Below are a few ways to cope when these thoughts arise.

How To Cope If You’re Thinking About Suicide

1. Talk To a Friend, Family Member, or Professional

Opening up about your mental health may seem daunting, but getting your feelings off your chest and having someone support you can help. Friends or family can keep you company, help with household tasks, or be there for you however you need.

If the thoughts are persistent or recurring—or if you don’t feel comfortable speaking to someone you know about them—then it’s time to speak with a doctor, crisis line, or counselor. Suicidal thoughts can occur due to mental illnesses, certain situations, or past trauma, and counseling will help uncover and treat the cause.

2. Cut Back On Stress

Being stressed can contribute to feelings of anxiety, depression, and anger. It can also impact your ability to healthily manage emotions, think rationally, and make decisions. Reducing the stress in your life allows you to address the negative thoughts and feelings you’re having. Consider taking some time off work and engage in stress-relieving activities such as meditation, yoga, puzzles, coloring, or a massage.

3. Engage in Self-Care

Suicidal thoughts can interfere with a healthy lifestyle, but following a healthy regimen for eating, exercising, and sleeping can improve your mental state and combat negative emotions. It may be overwhelming to make major changes all at once, so aim to do one or two healthy things a day.

These tasks can include bathing, drinking water, taking a walk, eating a nutritious meal, or going to bed early. Small steps often lead to big steps, and a sense of accomplishment after doing something can boost your mood.

Do you have thoughts of suicide? Since 1983, Alleghany Highlands Community Services in Covington, VA, has offered effective, compassionate, and affordable counseling for anyone with these thoughts. Their services include suicide watch, medication management, therapy for families and individuals, intensive in-home services, and substance abuse services. Read more about how they can help online, and call (540) 965-2135 to schedule an appointment.