Wondering how to commit suicide or having serious thoughts of ending your life must mean you’re feeling completely overwhelmed right now. However, there are things you can do that might help you counter these thoughts. Have a read of the coping strategy tool kit and know that there’s always someone you can talk to about ways to get through it.
- You’re seriously considering suicide
- You can’t think of any other solutions to your problems
- You’re feeling overwhelmed with negative thoughts
Do you need help right now?
There are a number of services that are available if you need to talk right now, including emergency services (like the police and ambulance service) and crisis support services. Have a look at our ‘Emergency help‘ page for more information.
What to do if you’re thinking about how to commit suicide
If you are feeling suicidal or want to end your life, it’s important that you keep yourself safe. Try to remember that thoughts about suicide are just thoughts. They don’t mean you have to act on them no matter how overwhelming they are or how often you have them. They also don’t mean that you will always have those thoughts.
It’s not uncommon to experience times when things feel really hopeless. But it is possible to get through these times by creating your own ‘tool kit’ of coping strategies, which you can use when you’re feeling suicidal or when things feel hopeless.
Coping strategy tool kit
While it may feel like you have to act now on your thoughts of how to commit suicide, try to postpone that decision. Keep a list of other things you can do to distract yourself. This might include:
- Watching television
- Playing sport
- Going to the movies
- Ringing a friend
- Going for a walk
- Reading a book
- Listening to music
Many people report that by putting off a decision to die, they found that their life did change. They were able to get the support they needed and could move on to a better, happier place.
Tell someone
Although it may seem hard, and may seem like a bigger challenge than taking steps to end your life, it’s important to reach out to others who might help you to see alternative ways of solving or thinking about a problem. This could also help you to realise what is important to you, allowing you to have a more positive outlook.
You could tell a family member or friend, counsellor or any person that you feel comfortable with. If they don’t believe you or don’t want to listen, keep trying until someone else does. Sometimes people don’t react well at first because they don’t know how. This is not your fault, and although it may feel hard, don’t give up!
If you find it hard to talk about, try writing something down and giving the paper to the other person.
Ring a crisis line
Check out our ‘Emergency help‘ page.
Write down your thoughts and/or feelings
Writing down your thoughts and/or feelings, or keeping a journal, can be a great way of understanding your feelings and a particular situation. It can also help you think about alternative solutions to problems.
Set small goals
Try to set goals that are achievable for you, even if it’s on a day by day, or hour by hour, basis. And don’t forget to treat yourself when you’ve achieved your goal.
Exercise and eat well
Check out our fact sheet about why exercise and good food can help.
Avoid drugs and alcohol
Using drugs and alcohol may help you forget about your problems for a little while but when the effects wear off you’ll often just feel worse. Over time, drug and alcohol use can fuel depression and make it harder for you to cope with the challenges that you are facing.
Talk to a psychologist or psychiatrist
These people usually know what they’re talking about and can understand, to a certain degree, what you’re going through. Have a look at our info on professional help and look into finding someone who gets how you’re feeling.
