Suicide Attempt Survivors
It’s common to feel confused or uncertain about the future after attempting suicide. The following material is provided for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. For more information, please use the resources provided below.
1. Seek help from a medical professional: It is crucial to reach out to a mental health professional, such as a therapist or counselor, who can provide support and guidance during this difficult time. They can help you work through the emotions and thoughts that led to the suicide attempt and develop coping strategies to prevent future attempts.
2. Establish a support system: Surround yourself with a network of supportive family members, friends, or support groups. Opening up to trusted individuals about your struggles can provide comfort and understanding, and they can offer assistance when needed.
3. Create a safety plan: Collaborate with your mental health professional to develop a safety plan that outlines steps to take when you experience suicidal thoughts or urges. This plan can include identifying triggers, coping mechanisms, and emergency contacts.
4. Practice self-care: Prioritize self-care activities that promote your overall well-being. Engage in activities that bring you joy, such as hobbies, exercise, or spending time in nature. It is essential to take care of your physical and emotional health during this healing process.
5. Educate yourself: Learn more about suicide prevention, mental health, and coping strategies. Educating yourself about these topics can empower you to better understand your experiences and find ways to manage your emotions.
6. Stay connected: Isolation can exacerbate feelings of hopelessness and despair. Stay connected with loved ones, even if it feels challenging at times. Reach out to friends or family members for support, or consider joining support groups where you can connect with others who have had similar experiences.
7. Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and understanding. Remember that recovering from a suicide attempt takes time, and healing is a gradual process. Be patient with yourself and acknowledge your progress along the way.
8. Avoid activations: Identify and avoid situations, people, or substances that may activate negative emotions or thoughts. This may involve making changes to your environment or setting boundaries with certain individuals.
9. Follow your treatment plan: If you have been prescribed medication, therapy, or other treatment methods, it is crucial to follow your treatment plan as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Consistency is key in managing your mental health.
10. Reach out for immediate help: If you ever find yourself in crisis again or experiencing intense thoughts of self-harm or suicide, reach out to a crisis hotline or emergency services immediately. Keep a list of emergency contacts readily available for easy access.
Remember, these are just starting points, and it is important to work with a healthcare professional to develop a personalized plan for your recovery.
1. Seek help from a medical professional: It is crucial to reach out to a mental health professional, such as a therapist or counselor, who can provide support and guidance during this difficult time. They can help you work through the emotions and thoughts that led to the suicide attempt and develop coping strategies to prevent future attempts.
2. Establish a support system: Surround yourself with a network of supportive family members, friends, or support groups. Opening up to trusted individuals about your struggles can provide comfort and understanding, and they can offer assistance when needed.
3. Create a safety plan: Collaborate with your mental health professional to develop a safety plan that outlines steps to take when you experience suicidal thoughts or urges. This plan can include identifying triggers, coping mechanisms, and emergency contacts.
4. Practice self-care: Prioritize self-care activities that promote your overall well-being. Engage in activities that bring you joy, such as hobbies, exercise, or spending time in nature. It is essential to take care of your physical and emotional health during this healing process.
5. Educate yourself: Learn more about suicide prevention, mental health, and coping strategies. Educating yourself about these topics can empower you to better understand your experiences and find ways to manage your emotions.
6. Stay connected: Isolation can exacerbate feelings of hopelessness and despair. Stay connected with loved ones, even if it feels challenging at times. Reach out to friends or family members for support, or consider joining support groups where you can connect with others who have had similar experiences.
7. Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and understanding. Remember that recovering from a suicide attempt takes time, and healing is a gradual process. Be patient with yourself and acknowledge your progress along the way.
8. Avoid activations: Identify and avoid situations, people, or substances that may activate negative emotions or thoughts. This may involve making changes to your environment or setting boundaries with certain individuals.
9. Follow your treatment plan: If you have been prescribed medication, therapy, or other treatment methods, it is crucial to follow your treatment plan as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Consistency is key in managing your mental health.
10. Reach out for immediate help: If you ever find yourself in crisis again or experiencing intense thoughts of self-harm or suicide, reach out to a crisis hotline or emergency services immediately. Keep a list of emergency contacts readily available for easy access.
Remember, these are just starting points, and it is important to work with a healthcare professional to develop a personalized plan for your recovery.
For helpful resource information, please click on the links below.
save.org/find-help/attempt-survivor-resources/
suicidology.org/resources/suicide-attempt-survivors/
save.org/find-help/attempt-survivor-resources/
suicidology.org/resources/suicide-attempt-survivors/