Keeping yourself safe against suicidal thoughts
If you have suicidal thoughts, don’t try to manage it on your own. There are things you can do to keep yourself safe:
- Seek help early/talk to someone
- Postpone any decision to end your life – Many people find if they postpone big decisions for just 24 hours things improve, they feel better able to cope and they find the support they need
- Avoid being alone (especially at night) – Stay with a family member or friend or have someone stay with you until your thoughts of suicide decrease
- Develop a safety plan – Come up with a plan that you can put into action at any time, for example have a friend or family member agree that you will call them when you are feeling overwhelmed or distressed
- Avoid drugs and alcohol when you are feeling down – Alcohol and many drugs are depressants and can make you feel worse, they don’t help solve problems and can make you do things you wouldn’t normally do
- See your local doctor or a specialist to discuss support or treatment – Discuss your suicidal thoughts with your doctor, talk about ways to keep yourself safe. Ask your GP or Lifeline about help for suicidal thoughts
- Set yourself small goals to help you move forward and feel in control
- Set goals even on an hour by hour or day by day basis – write them down and cross them off as you achieve them