Managing Passive Suicidal Thoughts: WSPD 2023

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Today being September 10th, we are all celebrating World Suicide Prevention Day and the theme this year is 🌿Creating Hope Through Action. Suicide as many of us are now aware is the act of taking one's own life. Under this, there is also the aspect of having suicidal thoughts and self-harm.

Today I want to focus more on suicidal thoughts. I recently learned about the two types of suicidal thoughts; Active and passive  

Passive suicidal thoughts are deeply distressing experiences in which individuals may have persistent thoughts about death without actively planning or attempting suicide while Active suicidal ideation is having persistent thoughts about death and actively planning it.

So, active suicidal thoughts can lead to suicide but let's take a minute to talk about passive suicidal thoughts. I am more interested in passive because I have been there a number of times. For me it felt like "I want to die but I do not have the energy or the confidence to commit suicide" I also had days where I wished something bad would happen to me that would lead to death, something like being hit by a car. That's having passive suicidal thoughts.

Passive suicidal thoughts often manifest as a sense of hopelessness, despair, or a desire for escape from emotional pain. Individuals experiencing these thoughts may not have a concrete plan to end their lives but may wish to cease existing or imagine scenarios where death would be a relief(like in my case, being hit by a car). These thoughts can be a symptom of various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder.

How to Manage Passive Suicidal Thoughts

• 🌼Seeking professional help is the most important. This can be reaching out to a mental health professional. Therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists can provide tailored support and treatment to address the underlying causes of these thoughts. Going for therapy can be effective in addressing underlying issues and in some cases, medication can be prescribed to you if the psychiatrist sees the need.
• 🌻Having a safety plan is also important. This plan can outline steps to follow when thoughts become overwhelming, including someone to call, coping strategies, and places of refuge.
• 🌼Sharing your feelings with a trusted friend, family member, or confidant can be a significant source of relief. Often, simply expressing your emotions can help reduce their intensity. Also, staying connected with people helps to reduce the symptoms. Isolation can exacerbate passive suicidal thoughts. Staying connected with loved ones, friends, or support groups is good cos their understanding and presence can make a significant difference.
• 🌻If you have access to any means of self-harm or suicide, such as medications, firearms, or sharp objects, it's crucial to remove or secure them to ensure your safety again when the thoughts become overwhelming.
• 🌼Prioritize self-care to promote emotional well-being. This includes maintaining a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, engaging in regular physical activity, and practicing relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises.
• 🌿Mindfulness exercises can help you stay grounded in the present moment, reducing rumination on negative thoughts and emotions. Consider incorporating mindfulness practices into your daily routine. Also, keeping a journal can provide an outlet for your thoughts and feelings. It can also help you identify patterns in your emotions and track your progress over time.

💚Remember that passive suicidal thoughts are a sign that you're going through a difficult time, but they are temporary. With the right support and strategies, you can manage these thoughts and work towards a path of healing and recovery. Reach out to professionals and loved ones for assistance; you are not alone in this journey towards finding hope and resilience.

love and hugs💓