help

I cant stop thinking about suicide but I don't want to talk to anyone. what do I do?

Ben's Answer:


Well the fact that you are asking this question tells me that you don't want to commit suicide. But sometimes people make suicide attempts even when they don't really want to do die, but are simply in a whole lot of emotional pain. It's not a good way to ask for help. There are many free suicide hotlines that you can call anytime, day or night, and talk as much or as little as you like. I would start there. Chances are, you will start to feel calmer and more positive after talking about it. I used to work on a suicide hotline, and sometimes would talk for hours with people, because that was what they needed at the time, so that's what we gave them, and they almost always felt better by the end of the call. We all need human contact, and compassion.

Obsessive thoughts get much worse in isolation. And it is dangerous to have these kinds of thoughts running through your mind with no where to go. Talking is a great way to get the thoughts out of your head. Journaling can be helpful too. I'd recommend both, but start with a hotline. There are several numbers listed on the following site:

http://suicidehotlines.com/national.html

Or on my website as well.

Remember you can call a hotline for ANY reason. You don't have to be planning suicide to call and get support. Feeling depressed, anxious, scared, confused, having obsessive thoughts of suicide - any of these things are enough reason to call and get some support. It's free, and it's anonymous, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. There is so much help out there if you just get up a little courage to ask for it. Whatever has brought you to the point of feeling this way, it can get better. I've watched many people come back from the edge and go on to have very happy lives.

Take Care,
Ben Schwarcz, MFT