We don’t talk about it, but suicidal thoughts happen to everyone, every day. Indeed, everyday problems and life’s trials and tribulations can make us feel so fragile that, one day, we start thinking really dark thoughts. What can you do in such moments? Here are 6 great tips.

1 – Understand that it happens to everyone

First of all, it’s essential for me to tell you that it happens to everyone, every day, to have suicidal thoughts.

Quite simply, because life isn’t always easy, and the world seems a hostile and dangerous place.

That’s why sometimes suicidal thoughts take us by surprise.

So, perhaps in your case, you’ve been having them for a while.

But really, you’re not alone. Everyone, every day, has suicidal thoughts.

Because certain problems seem insurmountable, or because they’re repeated far too often, or because the atmosphere at home, at work or even in the society in which we live weighs too heavily on us.

The reasons are many, very personal, very intimate indeed, but the result is the same: thoughts that tell us to get it over with, because enough is enough.

You’re not alone with these thoughts.

2 – Don’t take suicidal thoughts seriously

That’s why, if you’re not alone with these thoughts, maybe you can’t take them so seriously.

Yes, maybe these thoughts are just a “natural” mechanism of the human mind.

For me, suicidal thoughts are a signal. A signal that we see nothing but negativity around us and, above all, that we’ve made the choice to give up hope.

In fact, I believe that when suicidal thoughts are heard, it’s to tell us that it’s time to change our way of thinking, and fast.

In other words, suicidal thoughts don’t herald the end, but a new beginning. It’s time to change some things.

I’ll give you a few tips on how to do that.

Before I do, I’d just like to add that if you really can’t take your suicidal thoughts seriously, then talk to a professional: a doctor, a psychologist/psychiatrist. There are also professional organizations. You’ll find their numbers on the Internet.

Because sometimes our thoughts take over and we believe what they tell us. It’s because we’re too tired that we can’t take a step back from our thoughts. It happens. That’s why we ask for help.

3 – Stop comparing yourself

When we have suicidal thoughts, it’s probably because we’re comparing ourselves to others who have so much more than we do: better health, a nicer house, a better job, better relationships, better projects…

And, next to these people, our life seems insignificant. We feel ashamed, frustrated and lacking, and that’s how suicidal thoughts start.

That’s why I wholeheartedly invite you to stop making such comparisons. As a matter of urgency.

To do this, turn off social networks, television… for a few days.

Refocus on yourself, on what’s around you. Rediscover the little moments in your daily life in which small joys are hidden.

What’s more, you can stop for a few moments to think about those who have less than you: poorer health, no roof over their heads, no job…

Not to condemn you, because the world is unfair, but to remind you that you’re lucky and have reason to rejoice.

Because in our consumer society, we’re told from morning to night that we need the most important things in our lives to be happy, and that we need money to buy them. Not true!

You have everything you need.

4 – Stop surrounding yourself with negativity to avoid suicidal thoughts

By cutting out social networks and television, you’ll also be cutting yourself off from all the negative news.

Because we’re told from morning to night that the world is going badly, that it’s unfair, that people are violent and selfish, so it’s no wonder that suicidal thoughts come to the fore.

How can we live in such an unjust and chaotic world?

But that’s because we only hear about what’s going wrong, not about all the people who are doing good, all the people who are experiencing happiness today: births, projects coming to fruition, reunions, shared laughter.

There are beautiful things in the world. They’re happening all the time, but television doesn’t tell us about them.

So turn off the negative and connect with the positive.

Go sit in a park and listen to the laughter around you.

5 – Do things instead of clinging to suicidal thoughts

Suicidal thoughts cause us to withdraw into ourselves. Because we believe in them.

We forget that we always have the choice not to listen to a thought. Yes, we can listen to a thought and say, “No, thank you.”

Personally, when I have dark thoughts, I tell them, “No, thanks. I’m going to do some stuff instead.”

And, I’ll read or I’ll walk.

I’ll play sports, walk my dog.

Or I’ll tidy my house, cook…

I’ll do stuff.

You do stuff too. Anything as long as you stop listening to your thoughts, which really aren’t light and happy.

Wait for it to pass, because it will!

6 – Learning to be happy

I decided to learn to be happy when I got fed up with being unhappy. Really fed up. I remember feeling very angry, like: “Enough is enough. I want to be happy too.”

And, I made that my goal and it still is today.

In the end, it was when nothing was going right in my life, when I was on the brink of the abyss, that I made the best decision of my life.

When I think about it, it’s crazy!

That’s why, if you’re having suicidal thoughts right now, this is the perfect time for you to learn to be happy.

And, the good news is, you’re already doing it.

Yes, reading this article is already a first step, a first action. So, from the bottom of my heart, bravo!

Keep reading. Keep reading articles that make you feel good.

Feed your heart and mind with positive things. Every day! That’s the secret.

Because happiness can’t be expected, nor does it fall from the sky. Happiness has to be learned!

You’ll get there!

Find out more:

I invite you to read these 2 complementary articles:

Discover The best anti-depression remedy: a magical text to clear the air
Discover Dark thoughts: 7 great exercises to calm you down

I recommend this inspiring book:

The Last Time We Say Goodbye by Cynthia Hand

Cynthia Hand’s novel deals with the profound impact of loss and the haunting aftermath of suicide. Through the eyes of a teenage girl living with the aftermath of her brother’s death, the book explores the complexities of grief, guilt and lingering pain of thought. It poignantly and empathetically depicts the emotional turmoil that follows such a tragic event, offering readers space for reflection and understanding on this sensitive subject.

Her writing is simple and fluid, with humor and sincerity (her brother also committed suicide at the same age as Tyler).
Hats off to the author for this touching book!

Thank you very much for reading this article.

If you liked it, let me know in the comments.

Take care of yourself