Dealing with Suicidal Ideation Alone

First, breathe. Remember the 3-3-3 rule: name 3 things you see, 3 things you can hear, and move 3 parts of your body. A helpline that I have found to be especially useful is the NAMI Helpline. They will connect you with volunteers who are more than willing and happy to assist or even just to chat. They can help you find affordable resources near your area and it is completely confidential – you can read more here: https://www.nami.org/help They are available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., ET (7a.m. - 7p.m., PT) Here is a quick guide from the link: • Call 1-800-950-6264 • Text "HelpLine" to 62640 • Email helpline@nami.org Never assume that you are being dramatic or that your concerns aren’t serious enough. If you are in crisis and need immediate help, please use the following resources (directly from the NAMI webpage): • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Dial or text 988 if you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or experiencing a mental health crisis and get connected to a trained crisis counselor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Crisis counselors listen empathetically and without judgment. Your crisis counselor will work to ensure that you feel safe and help identify options and information about mental health services in your area. • Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741-741 Connect with a trained crisis counselor to receive free, 24/7 crisis support via text message. • National Domestic Violence Hotline – Call 800-799-SAFE (7233) Trained expert advocates are available 24/7 to provide confidential support to anyone experiencing domestic violence or seeking resources and information. Help is available in Spanish and other languages. • National Sexual Assault Hotline – Call 800-656-HOPE (4673) Connect with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area that offers access to a range of free services. Crisis chat support is available at Online Hotline (see NAMI link above for chat option). Free help, 24/7. • The Trevor Project – Call 866-488-7386 or Text START to 678-678 Supporting LGBTQ young people during times of crisis by providing access to crisis counselors 24/7, 365 days a year. Crisis chat support is available at Crisis Chat (see NAMI link above for chat option).

You could call a hotline next time this happens. They can really help you feel better even just for that day. Always reach out somehow! My little brother's friend ended his own life recently because he didn't reach out when he was feeling suicidal and we all thought he was doing better and the next day he was dead. It's a good thing that this scares you. It also makes sense why your brain and body go there sometimes. You feel miserable and like life isn't worth living. And I get that. Getting treatment is very important. Are you able to talk with a doctor about it? I recently had to increase my dosage of my antidepressants because I was feeling so low

You have to start building up resources... Tools that can help with different situations. A level 1 tool will work on a level 1 struggle. Don't get discouraged if you're having a hard time because you might not have the right to for it yet. Be open that getting professional help at anytime is always an option. It's always better to have a safety net set up.

Are you getting any kind of treatment?