If You Are Thinking About Suicide

The last thing that most people expect is that they will run out of reasons to live. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, know that you are not alone. As many as one in six people will be suicidal at some point in their lives.

If you are thinking about suicide, the most important thing you can do is talk to someone you trust. If there is no one you feel you can talk to, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1.800.273.8255 or 1.800.273.TALK.

Some important facts to remember when thinking about suicide:

• Suicidal thinking is usually associated with problems that can be treated. Several tries at treatment are sometimes necessary before the right combination is found.

• If you are unable to think of solutions other than suicide, it is not that solutions don't exist, only that they are not apparent to you. Therapists and friends can often help you see solutions that otherwise are not apparent to you.

• Suicidal crises are almost always temporary.  Although it might seem as if your unhappiness will never end, if is important to realize that crises are usually time limited. Don't let suicide rob you of better times that will come your way when you allow more time to pass.

• Problems are seldom as great as they appear at first glance. Stressful events can seem catastrophic at the time they are happening. Months or years later they usually look smaller and more manageable.

• Reasons for living can help sustain a person in pain. You might be able to strengthen your connection with life when you remember what has gotten you through hard times in the past.

Please, reach out to someone. Don't keep suicidal thoughts to yourself.

Information adapted from the American Association of Suicidology.