If you are thinking about suicide

**counselor** Mon Oct 15, 2012 11:24 am

If you are thinking about suicide

Man is born with the ability to take his own life. Every year one million people in the world are making this choice. Even in societies where suicide is illegal or taboo, people kill themselves anyway.

A lot of people who consider suicide feel they have no other way out. Death is their whole world at that time and the strength of their suicidal impulses should not be underestimated - they are real, powerful and immediate.
Be aware that:

- Suicide is often a permanent solution to a temporary problem.
- When we are depressed, we tend to see things from the perspective of the present moment rather narrow, a week or a month later, things may look completely different.
- Most of the people who at some point have thought of committing suicide, are now glad to be alive. Many said they did not want to end their life - but just wanted to stop the pain.

THE SOLUTION LIES IN DIALOGUE

The most important step is to talk to someone. People who have suicidal thoughts should not try to do it alone. Should seek help NOW.

- Talking with family and friends. Even just talking to a relative, a friend or a colleague can give great comfort.
- Talking about it in a virtual forum or voluntary service center. Some people can not talk about it with family or friends but find it easier to talk to a stranger. There are sites and service centers around the world, with volunteers who are willing to listen.
- Talking to a doctor. If you are going through a long period when you are feeling down or thinking of suicide you may suffer from clinical depression. This is a medical condition caused by a chemical imbalance that can be treated by a doctor with prescription drugs and / or referral to psychological treatment.

Time is an important factor to "overcome" the critical phase, but also matters what happens in the meantime.
When one is thinking about suicide, to talk about his feelings immediately.