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During this pandemic, the latest data show that the rate of people either committing suicide or experiencing thoughts of doing so has gone up in the U.S. According to the Journal of American Medicine, suicide rates have been rising over the last two decades. The recent numbers show the highest age-adjusted suicide rate since 1941. Believe it or not, this pandemic has had a big impact on our mental health. It has caused people to slip into depression and develop suicidal thoughts. If you or someone you know has been experiencing this type of behavior, here are five ways you can seek help immediately.
Improve Your Lifestyle
One way to seek assistance in this matter is to better your overall lifestyle. People who develop suicidal thoughts are more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol. They are also likely to deprive themselves of sleep and exercise. Lowering your risk of suicide involves improving your health habits. When you recover from substance abuse, get enough quality sleep, exercise often, and eat better, you will feel better physically and mentally.
Seek Help Through Talk Therapy
Talk therapy, otherwise known as psychotherapy, is another common way to seek help for this condition. Psychotherapists often use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) when helping people dealing with suicidal thoughts. By using the CBT method of talk therapy, they strive to help their clients develop a positive outlook on their circumstances. From there, they start to regain satisfaction and control of their lives.
For example, one of the biggest contributors to experiencing suicidal thoughts is a pre-existing chronic illness. This is a circumstance that you cannot change. A psychotherapist must help you to learn to accept what you can’t change and to start viewing this from a positive standpoint. As a result, you will start to look for better ways to cope with your circumstances that don’t involve ending it all.
Find Assistance Through Potential Medication
Another potential option that you can turn to besides psychotherapy is prescribed medications. When talk therapy isn’t enough to ease a patient’s symptoms, doctors may write up some prescriptions instead. Some of these medications could include antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, or antipsychotic medications. However, it is your responsibility to stick with your treatment plan and to attend all sessions and appointments.
Seek Help From Family and Friends
Some of the main people you should turn to for help when experiencing suicidal thoughts are your family and friends. If there is a loved one that you can trust and confide in, don’t hesitate to contact that person right away. They love you and want what’s best for you and your livelihood.
Another good source you can turn to for help is suicide hotlines. In the U.S., you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and talk to a trained counselor. This counselor will be able to assist you if you’ve been experiencing any underlying causes of suicidal thoughts such as depression or anxiety. We at Step Up for Mental Health offer Helpline Support services for families with members struggling with suicide prevention.
Get in Touch With Your Spiritual Need
The fifth and last resource for help is spiritual assistance. Most people aren’t exactly inclined to follow a religion. But sometimes it could be for our good to develop a close relationship with God. Some people feel a sense of inner peace and calm when they allow God into their lives. They will more than likely start to realize that ending their lives isn’t worth it.
There are various ways you can get in touch with your spiritual need. You can get in touch with your spiritual leader within your faith community. You can start reading the Bible. Or you can simply start by praying to God for help and guidance in coping with whatever problems that are deeply troubling you. All of these things are great ways to seek spiritual assistance.
With September being National Suicide Prevention Month, we all must take the time to help someone dealing with suicidal thoughts. By sharing with them these five ways they can seek help as soon as possible, you will be saving a life from the illness of suicide.
