Sometimes, we go through such intense emotional pain and misery that we simply want to crawl into a hole and be forgotten. Or to simply sleep and not wake up again so one can escape from the emotional pain and distress. This is especially more pronounced when it appears like there is no hope and the future is bleak, and things won't ever get better. Thus, in such situations, suicidal thoughts may begin to pop into our heads as a way out of the pain and misery.

However, this is very misleading and not factual. Because things do get better and several individuals who have attempted suicide in the past, but thankfully, survived to tell their stories, are glad they failed as they have gone on to rediscover happiness again.

The key issue we want to address today is how to deal with such thoughts when they become persistently intrusive, and one is going through emotional pain. How can one cope with such suicidal thoughts? What can you do? Who can you turn to for help in such circumstances?

It is also important to clarify some common misconceptions. Having suicidal thoughts is not a reflection of weak faith in God or a character defect. It does not mean that you are crazy, or weak, or flawed. It only means that you have more emotional pain than you can cope with right now. But with the passage of time and good social and professional support, you can overcome your problems and the emotional anguish and suicidal feelings will pass. No matter how much pain you are experiencing right now, you are not alone.

Why Do I Feel Suicidal?

Many kinds of emotional pain can lead to thoughts of suicide. The reasons for this pain are unique to each one of us, and the ability to cope with the pain differs from person to person. We are all different. There are, however, some common causes that may lead us to experience suicidal thoughts and feelings.

The commonest of them all is depression – a medical diagnosis characterized by overwhelming feelings of sadness, fatigue, and loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities. Simple tasks like getting out of bed, taking one's bath, picking up a phone call, etc. become very daunting tasks that seem like too much trouble. And the good thing is that depression is TREATABLE with full recovery.

How Can I Help Myself When Having Suicidal Thoughts?

We have previously covered how to offer support to persons with suicidal thoughts. Today, we focus on what you can do for yourself if suicidal thoughts are occurring to you.

Dr. Jibril Abdulmalik
Tribune Article for the column "Your Mental Health & You"
Thursday, 6th July 2023
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