Suicidal Thoughts

Having suicidal thoughts, or thinking about suicide, or wanting to end your life are very serious topics that many of us choose to neglect. Furthermore, these thoughts are not aged or gender specific either, and these feelings can stem in adults, as well teenagers and children as well, and failure to acknowledge them can have disastrous effects.

Parents, more specifically, sometimes fail to understand these signs in their children, an instead, revert to scolding or yelling at them for talking about such things. First of all, we have to remember that in the case you come across a friend, family member, partner or even your own child having suicidal thoughts, being a good friend, brother/sister, partner or parent, you should not try to be judgmental about their feelings or try to discipline them about it, as this may worsen their desire to commit suicide even more. Instead, you should be empathic and try to see their reasoning and why they’re feeling the need to end their lives in the first place.

First of all, we’ll need to understand what kind of suicidal thoughts they may be. They can either be temporary urges about wanting to kill themselves, or they could be much stronger and incessant; promising to give relief from unbearable pain. The key is to understand and recognize the signs seriously, as well as address them as soon as possible.

As a person who is suffering from suicidal thoughts, the best plan would be to confide in a close friend or family member who you trust and who you know won’t judge you. Discuss your feelings with them and ask for some good advice.

And if you have someone you know who’s suffering from depression; a friend, a family member, partner or a child. Reach out to them. Ask them how they’re doing and let them know that they can trust you and talk to you about anything and that you are there to understand and help. Make it a point to listen to them thoroughly and try your best not to be judgmental or pass any comments that you may feel may offend or trigger them. Try to visit them if you’re away, show them all the positive aspects of their lives, and keep reminding them that their lives matter and they have people who love and care about them. Most people who undergo suicidal thoughts may also think their feelings are insignificant or that they’re unwanted, and making them realize that they do matter to someone special can make them want to live for them.