Suicidal thoughts
Our brain is a powerhouse with millions of nerve cells connected together with billions of synopsis. The brain is working 24/7 even when we are sleeping. The organ is the control center of emotions, anxiety, response to stimuli and a plethora of other functions. Needless to say, the brain controls what we think and how our thinking affects our emotions. In this universal cluster of emotions, thoughts might not always come from a positive lane. It is common to get negative thoughts in our minds. But when these thoughts dig their roots in our brain, they become harmful. One of such negative emotions is called suicidal thoughts. These are deadly thinking behavioral thoughts that can lead us to end our life. Let’s get to know more about how to stop suicidal thoughts.
Overview
Taking your own life is a tragic situation that might arise for a number of reasons. While it might seem impractical for many, there has been an increase in the number of suicides in recent years. There might be many reasons behind these, but the fact that this practice is on the rise, make us more aware of how to stop it. For urgent needs, one can simply call 911 or any other emergency suicide numbers in the U.S. Before we get to know how to stop suicidal thoughts, we should know what are the warning signs of such evil actions.
Warning signs
As with every mental condition, the warning signs might not be identical. These may vary depending upon the condition and nature of the patient. However, you should know some common warning facts that might come handy in identifying the onset of suicidal thoughts in someone’s consciousness. Always seek for help if someone is portraying one of these thoughts:
- If the patient is talking about dying frequently. You may also notice him making statements to kill himself or end his life.
- When someone is looking for means of suicide such as buying drugs or a gun
- If a patient has lately withdrawn from social circle and shows his consent of being alone all the time
- When someone is having drastic mood swings, it is the case of suicidal thoughts. This involves being too sad one day and then anxious the other.
- Being occupied in the thoughts of death or violence
- Feeling depresses and hopeless all the time
- Depending on drugs or alcohol in an uncontrolled manner
- A sudden change in normal routines such as sleeping late at night or eating too much or even skipping a meal daily
- Doing things that might harm him or anyone else’ life such as using sharp things or taking non-prescribed drugs
- Giving away assets and other belongings. Getting affairs done such as being done when ending life
- Saying the last bye to people as if he is not ever going to come back again
- Being severely angered or agitated
- Behavioral changes
When you see any of these warning signs, you should develop the learning of how to prevent suicidal thoughts:
Encouraging positive thinking
If we take a look at the bigger picture, suicidal thoughts are the seeds of negative thinking. Hence, if you encourage the patient to think positively, you may stop him from developing suicidal thoughts. A good way to eradicate suicidal thoughts with positive thinking is to self-talk. It is an endless exercise with unspoken thoughts running through your consciousness. Whether positive and negative, these thoughts come from your own reason and logic. Practicing self-talk will help the patient in exhaling your deep emotions and will eventually help him get rid of them. Self-talk will also help counter the misconceptions that your mind creates due to a lack of proper information. For instance, if you get a call from an unknown person who asks for your details, one can self-talk and think of negative and positive consequences. One can try thinking of different outcomes of alternate ways of dealing with the situations. This will help the patient devise a good method of facing challenges.
Here are some potential ways through you can help a person having suicidal thoughts learn to practice positive thinking:
- Helping him identify the areas in which he should be more optimistic. Ask the patient to try practicing small areas where he can approach in a positive way.
- Follow a healthy lifestyle. A good mindset comes from a healthy and fit body. Doing regular exercises and workout will fuel your mind with sanguinity.
- Smile and laugh whenever you get the chance. Refraining from happiness is a way to attract negativity. Hence, try to be open to humor.
- Surround yourself with a positive company. You need to ensure that the people you trust in your life are positive and supportive. A negative company evokes depression.
- Practice self-talk
- Check your thinking at frequent intervals during the day
Avoiding negative way of life
Our habits often decide whether our life is going to be good or bad, whether we will get relieved of suicidal thoughts or not and whether our lives will be serene or not. For this, you need to make a routine and practice avoiding getting indulged into activities that trigger stress hormones and lead to negative thinking such as suicidal thoughts. Some of the negative habits to avoid are:
- Eating without any routine
- Spending compulsively
- Under or overeating
- Getting habitual to medications
- Skipping physical activities
- Overworking
- Being socially disabled
- Avoiding problems and running from them
These negative habits can be avoided by not ignoring the problem, rather deciding on the time you will need to figure out a solution. Walking away from an issue will only make it prominent and you will have to face it in a more dangerous form. You should never convince yourself that ignoring the stress will erase it naturally. One may feel that he can’t work without having a cup of coffee in the morning. You may assume that without a puff of smoke, your mind can’t work to its full extent. These activities only make us habitual and dependable. By avoiding them, you can deal with stress and avoid its long-term negative effects on your health which keeps suicidal thoughts at bay. Keep these away and cope with such disastrous thoughts productively.
Being Physical
Immersing in exercises and alike physical activity is a sure shot way to keep suicidal thoughts at bay. The physical activities help in improving your physical condition while elevating your immunity against certain diseases and mental conditions. It also helps in maintaining mental fitness, reducing fatigue, improving alertness and enhancing concentration levels.