Tips On Overcoming Suicidal Thoughts – Frank Mba

Tips On Overcoming Suicidal Thoughts – Frank Mba

Suicidal thoughts can be overwhelming. How long these thoughts last, differ for everyone. The thoughts can affect anyone, no matter the age, gender or background at any time. If you are feeling suicidal, it is likely that you have been experiencing a growing sense of hopelessness and worthlessness for some time. These thoughts could completely consume you, making you feel like you have no control over your own body. 

For us as Police Officers, fewer policing duties can be more challenging and horrifying than the task of responding to a suicide situation. The very act of untangling a dangling lifeless body from a suicide rope and transporting such to a morgue for example can be excruciatingly tormenting.

The feelings in the run up to a suicidal act can be very complex and difficult to interpret both to the person harboring the thoughts and the onlooker. If you are unsure of why you feel suicidal, you may find it even harder to believe that there could be a solution. But whatever the reason, know that there is hope. Also, note that with the support of people around you, you will certainly overcome.

Frankmba.ng will provide you with some tips on how to overcome suicidal thoughts.

Please read on……

TIPS ON OVERCOMING SUICIDAL THOUGHTS.

1. When you’re feeling really downcast, that is not the time to make key decisions about life. Please, wait for a while, time heals wounds. Postpone that key decision to the next morning, and the next morning and the next morning!. Situation will surely change for the better.

2. Do not believe everything you see or read on the social media. The social media oftentimes creates a pseudo world filled with lies and fake lifestyles that may drive the innocent and the inexperienced to the pursuit of unrealistic goals. 

3. Be contented with what you have, while remaining focused on your life goals and aspirations. Think less about the people who are ahead of you except for the purposes of drawing inspiration from them. Remember the millions you are better than. 

4. If you do have depression, you can do a few things to keep it from getting worse. Find ways to handle stress associated with it:

• Keep a positive attitude.
• Create time for hobbies, interests and relaxation.
• Get enough rest and sleep as your body needs time to recover from stressful situations and events.
• Learn to manage your time effectively.
• Take good care of yourself. Get enough sleep, eat well, and exercise regularly.
• Learn and practice relaxation techniques; meditate, listen to music, walk, engage in yoga, religious activities like choir, ushering, prayer groups etc.
• Talk to your doctor or your mental-care assistant.

5. Improve your self-esteem:

• Be nice and kind to yourself. Extinguish any negative thoughts from your head.
• Remember nobody is perfect. Perfection is an unrealistic goal. You should however endeavor to do your best at all times. 
• Spend time with your family and friends. Surround yourself with supportive people. Find people whose lifestyles encourage you to do well and make you feel good about yourself.
•  Avoid fault-finders and all those who always make you feel bad for no just cause.
• Do what makes you happy. If you spend time doing the things you enjoy, you are more likely to think positively. 

6.When you are stressed or depressed:

• Avoid situations that could make your thoughts or symptoms worse. 
• Keep note, tell your confidant, doctor or therapist about it.
• Think about joining a support group. Do things that keep you connected to others.
• Don’t take unnecessary risks by having weapons, poisonous substance or extra medications around yourself.

7. You can ask a friend or family member to keep or put harmful objects away from you.

8. You can do a simple exercise like,

• Slowing your breathing which helps to slow your heart rate down and supply more oxygen to your brain. 
• Such exercise can also help to shift your attention away from whatever negative thoughts you’re having.
• Focus on relaxing your muscles. Start with your head and try to relax each muscle group, work your way down (face, jaw, neck, shoulders, back, arms, legs, calves, etc.)
• You can use your hands to massage your neck or shoulders as well.

9. Get regular medical checkups, and see your doctor if you don’t feel right.

10. Stick with your treatment plan. If you are on medicine, 

• Take it as prescribed, whether you feel good or not. 
• Don’t skip therapy sessions. 
• Let your doctor know what is and isn’t working for you.

11. See a psychologist or a psychiatrist if the suicide thought remains persistent, compelling or compulsive. Discard the thought that only mad people keep appointments with psychiatrists!

Kindly look forward to the concluding edition of these series which deals on “Tips towards helping someone overcome suicidal thoughts”

…AUTHORED BY DCP Frank Mba…