Need help or know someone who does
Helping yourself
If you are having unhelpful thoughts or are feeling suicidal, just know that you are not alone and you deserve to have hope.
A lot of people have suicidal thoughts when they are coming under pressure, but please stop and think. Don’t rush into this. Please wait because everything changes. There’s always a way through.
David Higson, Bereaved Survivors of Suicide:
‘You are unique in this world. There is no one like you and you are important for society, for our community, and you can do great things. You are so special so please don’t leave us so soon. Speak up.’
If you or someone you know if struggling with suicidal feelings, please know that you are not alone and there are is support available.
Things you can do now
'There is significant scientific evidence that supports the things that we do on a daily basis is either the problem or the solution to how we are feeling. How we sleep what we eat, how we think, how much exercise, our attitude and our intention. Even right down to how we breathe or our posture is directly linked to how we feel.'
Try these tips for removing unhelpful thoughts from Karl Staniford of 'If it works, it's right':
- Box breathing: a method used by elite military forces, which directly alters the nervous system and can help you step out of unhelpful thought patterns:
- Hold your breath for 4 seconds...breathe out 4 seconds...hold 4. . breathe in 4 seconds - keep going until relaxed
- Hold your breath for 4 seconds...breathe out 4 seconds...hold 4. . breathe in 4 seconds - keep going until relaxed
- Awareness on healthy activities: focus on things which release feel good chemicals into the body:
- Creativity, exercise, overcoming intentional challenges, helping others
Often those who have bounced back have found:
- A healthy release, maybe a new hobby
- A connection / a community
- A direction for a sense of purpose
- They've found ways to become comfortable in adversity
- They've learnt it is healthier to process thoughts and not worry about what others think
- There may be a slightly different perception on life which causes a different mindset
If you have been affected by the death of someone close through suicide
Read Cruse Bereavement’s Bereaved by Suicide leaflet for help and support.
Helping others
Talking to someone who you think might be struggling is the first step in addressing any negative and unhelpful thoughts.
Go with your gut feeling. If you think they are suicidal. Ask them straight out whether they are feeling suicidal.
Samaritans Isle of Man have some great tips on how to listen to others in an effective way:
Take the training
To help you feel more equipped to talk about suicide, the Zero Suicide Alliance provide free online training. It’s free, only takes 20 minutes, and is accessible for everybody.
