Suicidal Thoughts
Introduction
Suicidal thoughts may never result in suicide attempts, or they may be very dangerous and result in death. However severe, if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts you should seek help in order to prevent the situation getting out of control.
Thoughts of suicide involve the creation of possible plans by which to end your life. Thoughts may be brief and contain no real intent to commit or attempt suicide. Or they might be regular, persistent, and detailed, in which case they can be very damaging. Sometimes suicidal thoughts can encourage people to set up a suicide attempt where they will be found before they actually die. Or, in other cases, suicidal thoughts will lead to a genuine suicide attempt. The cause of suicidal thoughts is unknown. However, such thoughts are most likely to occur in people who have other psychological disorders like depression, schizophrenia, high levels of anxiety or paranoia. They are also more likely to affect people who have a dependence on alcohol or drugs, have recently lost a loved one, or have experienced traumatic events. If suicidal thoughts are affecting you, seek help and speak to someone.
How Suicidal Thoughts Can Harm Us
Of course, suicidal thoughts can be extremely harmful. As we have already discussed, they can lead to self-harm and the realisation of suicide. This is the worst possible outcome of suicidal thoughts. They can also have several other negative effects, even if suicide is not actually attempted. Other outcomes of suicidal thoughts include feelings of acute anxiety that can result in panic attacks; this is due to people feeling out of control of their own thoughts and actions. People may experience insomnia and a lack of concentration because they are preoccupied by constant thoughts of suicide. Those suffering from suicidal thoughts are also likely to be highly irritable and pessimistic. These harmful effects can make it very difficult for victims to function in everyday life. Imagine trying to hold down a job whilst suffering from thoughts about suicide. The completion of chores and necessary activities are likely to be impaired. For example, bathing can invite suicidal thoughts. The victim may start to avoid situations in which suicidal thoughts are most severe. Perhaps they are worried about what they will do. In other cases the victims become obsessed by finding possible suicide techniques wherever they go. In both situations, suicidal thoughts are very harmful and help should be sought.
Effects of Suicidal Thoughts on Other Relationships
Suicidal thoughts have a significant impact on our relationships. As previously mentioned, the sufferers of suicidal thoughts may appear distracted and irritable. This can come across badly to friends and family, particularly if they do not know the cause. They may become confused, angry or frustrated and relationships will be damaged. If the victim of suicidal thoughts does choose to share these feelings with someone, the affects can be varied. The confided-in person may be of great help; either providing the necessary support, or encouraging the victim to seek it. However, in other situations, the sufferer of suicidal thoughts may not be taken seriously. People might assume that they are attention seeking, or just dismiss the information as worrying over nothing. People might even be unnerved or afraid by such revelations, which can lead them to avoid the victim. If this happens, or if trust is betrayed in any way, it will be extremely harmful both to the relationship and to the individual suffering from suicidal thoughts. This is why it is so important to seek the right help from the start.
How Therapy Can Help
Therapy can be an enormous help to those suffering from suicidal thoughts. It is a safe and impartial place where thoughts and fears can be revealed without judgement. It is normal for sufferers to feel anxious about disclosing their feelings to friends and family for fear of causing concern and upset. Therefore, therapy is very useful. Even if your thoughts are not severe and you do not feel in danger of committing suicide, you should still pursue support in order to prevent the situation from getting any worse. More urgently, if you feel out of control and are worried that self-harm or a suicide attempt might be immanent, it is crucial that you seek help immediately. Therapists and counselors will take your concerns seriously, and will help you start the recovery process. Do not feel ashamed about needing support, we all do at some point. Therapy can help you to identify the triggers of suicidal thoughts, where they stem from, and what can be done to change your thought patterns. You might only need a few sessions to help restore a positive frame of mind, or the support required may be more long term. As long as you are talking to a professional, you are on the right track.
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