Suicide Is A Killer
I’ve never really suffered suicidal feelings beyond “ideation”. There is a critically important differentiation between suicide ideation (what would the world be like without me) and suicidal behaviour (planning to harm yourself). Learning this differentiation has been very helpful to me to understand what I have experienced is ‘normal’ and can be easily managed by slowing down and having a deep breath.
Suicide is a serious and complex issue that affects many men around the world. Sadly, men account for the vast majority of completed suicides across the world, and suicide is the biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK. There are many factors that may contribute to suicidal feelings in men, such as stress, depression, trauma, loneliness, social isolation, pressure to conform to masculine norms, or lack of emotional support.
If you are feeling suicidal, you may feel hopeless, worthless, trapped, or alone. You may think that there is no way out of your problems, or that no one cares about you. You may have thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life. These thoughts and feelings can be very scary and overwhelming, but they are not uncommon or abnormal. Many people experience suicidal feelings at some point in their lives, and they can be overcome with the right help and support.
The most important thing to do if you are feeling any way suicidal is to talk to someone. You do not have to suffer in silence or cope on your own. There are people who care about you and want to help you. You can call a helpline or a listening service, such as Samaritans (116 123) or Mind Infoline (0300 123 3393), where you can speak to someone who will listen to you without judging you or telling you what to do.
You can also talk to your GP. They are NOT going to lock you up. They can refer you to talking therapies, medication, or specialist services that can help you with your mental health. You can also reach out to your family and friends, or anyone else you trust, and tell them how you feel. They may not know what you are going through unless you tell them, and they may be able to offer you support and comfort. Be brave and get the support you need- you and your loved ones are worth the effort.
If you are feeling suicidal right now, please do not act on your thoughts. You may feel like there is no other option, but there is always hope and there is always another way. Please call 999 or go to your nearest A&E if you think you are in immediate danger of harming yourself.
If you are not feeling suicidal right now, but have had suicidal thoughts in the past or are worried about having them in the future, there are some things you can do to help yourself in the long term. You can:
Seek professional help for any mental health issues that may be affecting your mood, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or bipolar disorder.
Find healthy ways to cope with stress and negative emotions, such as exercise, meditation, hobbies, or relaxation techniques.
Challenge any negative thoughts or beliefs that may make you feel hopeless or worthless, such as "I'm a failure" or "No one loves me". Try to replace them with more positive and realistic ones, such as "I have strengths and achievements" or "There are people who care about me.
Build positive relationships with others who support you and share your values and goals. Avoid any negative influences or peer pressure that may encourage your substance use or harm your self-esteem.
Find meaning and purpose in your life by setting realistic and achievable goals for yourself, pursuing your passions and interests, or contributing to a cause that matters to you.
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