Suicide Prevention: Making a Plan to Manage Suicidal Thoughts
Suicide is a major public health concern. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds globally. In the United States, suicide is the tenth leading cause of death for all ages. Suicide prevention involves taking steps to reduce the risk of suicide in individuals who are experiencing suicidal thoughts. One way to reduce suicidal thoughts is to make a plan to manage them. In this article, we’ll discuss how to make a plan to manage suicidal thoughts.
What Are Suicidal Thoughts?
Suicidal thoughts are thoughts about ending one’s own life. These thoughts may be passive or active. Passive suicidal thoughts involve thoughts of death without a specific plan to carry it out. Active suicidal thoughts involve a specific plan to end one’s life. Suicidal thoughts are often a symptom of depression or another mental health condition. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, it’s important to seek help right away.
How Can You Make a Plan to Manage Suicidal Thoughts?
Making a plan to manage suicidal thoughts involves several steps. The following steps can help you create a plan to manage your suicidal thoughts effectively.
Step 1: Identify Your Triggers
The first step in making a plan to manage suicidal thoughts is to identify your triggers. Triggers are situations, people, or things that can trigger suicidal thoughts. For example, a trigger might be a specific event or a person who makes you feel depressed. By identifying your triggers, you can take steps to avoid them or reduce their impact.
Step 2: Develop Coping Strategies
The next step is to develop coping strategies. Coping strategies are techniques that you can use to manage your suicidal thoughts when they occur. Coping strategies can include things like deep breathing, meditation, exercise, or talking to a trusted friend. Develop coping strategies that work for you and practice them regularly.
Step 3: Create a Support System
Creating a support system is essential when managing suicidal thoughts. A support system can include friends, family, therapists, support groups, and crisis hotlines. Make a list of people and resources that you can turn to when you experience suicidal thoughts.
Step 4: Develop a Safety Plan
A safety plan is a personalized plan that outlines the steps you will take if you experience suicidal thoughts. A safety plan can include things like calling a crisis hotline, seeking out emergency medical care, or staying with a trusted friend or family member. Create a safety plan that is tailored to your needs and keep it with you at all times.
Step 5: Seek Professional Help
Finally, if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, it’s important to seek professional help. A mental health professional can help you develop a plan to manage your suicidal thoughts, provide treatment for any underlying mental health conditions, and ensure that you are safe.
Conclusion
Making a plan to manage suicidal thoughts can be a life-saving step when you are experiencing suicidal ideation. By identifying your triggers, developing coping strategies, creating a support system, developing a safety plan, and seeking professional help, you can reduce your risk of suicide and improve your mental health. Remember, it’s important to seek help if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts. You are not alone, and there is help available. Reach out for help today.