If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, then you are not alone. This can happen to anyone at any point in their life when they are psychologically overwhelmed. The important thing however, is that you seek help and take steps to keep yourself safe.
How to keep yourself safe?
WAIT for any overwhelming feeling to hurt yourself to lessen. As you wait, you might find that these feelings start to subside.
Create a safe environment – remove anything in your surroundings that can be used to harm yourself impulsively, such as sharp objects.
Do not be alone. When you are around other people, you are less likely to sit alone with your thoughts and take actions to harm yourself. You can let them know how you are coping.
Create a document of important numbers and keep it ready- emergency numbers, hotlines, friends and family that are on speed dial. Call them just to hear a voice.
Avoid drugs and alcohol – These might make you feel better temporarily, but they will only intensify your low moods and make things worse.
How to disclose:
Approach an adult that you trust – This could be a family member, friend, teacher, etc. The important thing is that you feel safe and comfortable with them. Pick a right time and place and let them know that you are struggling.
Be prepared for their reaction – One cannot always predict a person’s reactions – some might not know how to react at first, perhaps because they have not been in this situation before. Let them know that you want to work things out and get better, but you need their support. You can even ask them to help you find other resources for support or information.
Things can and will get better. While building your support network, and keeping yourself safe are good first steps, seek support from mental health and counselling professionals for your well-being in the long term.
Please see Samaritans Singapore and Mayo Clinic for more details.