Depression and Suicide are a major epidemic in our country and world today. National Suicide Prevention Week is a campaign all this week to draw attention to this issue and get the word out that there is help.
What to do About Suicidal Thoughts
It’s important to know what to do when suicidal thoughts are a problem;
- Evaluate
We all get down from time to time, and life can make us feel hopeless. But when we start to wish we were dead, or making plans of how to kill ourselves, it’s time to take it seriously.
- Crisis Management
It’s time to take steps to reduce the suicidal thoughts.
-Call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-8255 or chat online
-Call 911
-Have a friend take you to the emergency room; a hospital that has a behavioral health unit would be the best if you know where those are in your area, but any ER will get you the help you need. - Long Term Solution
Reducing suicidal thoughts is a great first step. But if the underlying depression isn’t resolved then there is a risk that more suicidal ideation will return. Depression is a condition that can be helped in most cases with a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Make appointments and follow through on getting this problem solved.
Suicide is a Widespread Problem
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates there are 264 million people in the world suffering from Major Depression. It’s important to know that nobody is alone in this affliction. There are scientifically supported methods for reducing suicidal ideation and for resolving Major Depression. One of the tools I use often to help with depression is clinical hypnosis, but many forms of psychotherapy have been shown to be effective.