Immediate Relief: Depression & Suicidal Ideation

[BloomInWinter]

Here's a tough one...what works to help us get thorough one of 'those moments?'

Post what works for you!

Some things that work for me;

• Looking at scrapbooks of happier times with safe family/friends
• Listing reasons why I belong on this earth still
• Keeping an 'accolades' folder in my email inbox and putting in all those of people sending thank yous, well-wishes, etc. and reading them
• Asking for a comforting gesture
• Reading books to my kids
• Looking at pictures of nature
• Listing the reasons I love my kids
• Listening to music
• Speaking compassionately to myself as if I'm a scared, lost child

 

[Tinyflame]

Nothing works for me at the worst times because I think I dissociate. Whatever it is I can't remember/ recall anything.
However, "cndnleaf" (on the forum here- sorry if it's spelled wrong) suggested to write down what to 'do' (steps) on a card (like a 'golf swing card').
He also recommended 2 sites that had Safety plans, I think these are invaluable because they teach you how to become self-aware of what is happening (warning signs it's going downhill) and has a specific plan to halt it/ reverse it before it gets too far gone. If anyone needs them and can't find his post here PM me and I will find them for you.

I don't know, I guess otherwise talking to someone I trusted/ who wouldn't 'over-react' or condemn me might help.

 

[patrick]

When I find myself going down the spiral of depression, I can sometimes arrest it by doing something for somebody else. Gives me a real feeling of usefulness on this earth, which for me is the exact opposite of the uselessnes I feel when I get depressed.

When I get far enough down that I can't even think about being useful, I try to swallow my pride and reach out to somebody who might be able to provide support. That's the hardest thing to do of all, and I'm often not able to do it, now matter how much I know I need to. During those times, I just try to remember that no feeling lasts forever, good or bad.

And, as embarrassing as it is to admit, I try to keep taking the stupid pills, even when I'm sure they're not doing a bit of good. In the back of my mind I know that over the long haul they've helped me stay alive.

 

[goingonhope]

I don't know if it's working but it seems to be doing something and that is this 1 1/2 Quarts of Peanut Butter Icecream, I'm really doing a number on here. And after this, like Patrick said, I too will need to go try and take one of these stupid pills, because I'm rather afraid not to. But on the other hand I am afraid to do so. Anyhow whatever, my vote tonight is for Peanut Butter Icecream; this is tonight's immediate relief.

 

[PerfectEmpire]

Curl up into a ball and sleep. Wake up feeling better.

 

[Tinyflame]

Knowing your responsibilty to others, eg your kids.

 

[suzie q]

Surround yourself with all your animals and tell them how you are feeling. Their attention and love shines through all the gloom and doom.

Get outside, anywhere outside and see the small things in nature. Go for a walk.

Watch the Comedy Channel on TV.

Log onto this Forum and explain your feelings. Go to Chat and get responses to your pain.

 

[Tinyflame]

Go to places where there are crowds. Do something for someone else or force yourself to do something small that is kind for yourself. Do something small that relates to the future. If you can tell someone you trust the truth. Say a prayer. Keep walking.

 

[WantToGetBetter]

• Reading books to my kids

You have children. You are so blessed. Do you not see the purpose to your life just in their eyes?

 

[BloomInWinter]

• Reading books to my kids

You have children. You are so blessed. Do you not see the purpose to your life just in their eyes?

Thank you! I'm going to re-read this one many times.

 

[BloomInWinter]

Also, watching and listening to the wind in the trees...

 

[OKRADLAK]

I use music a lot. Music that affirms life. Two of my favorites are "Gravity" by the band A Perfect Circle. Another is "Learning to Live" by Dream Theater. They both say things about choosing to live and sometimes I just listen to them over and over -----when I am suicidal I do not mind disassociation because it can save me from doing something that would cause a lot of people a lot of pain. I like other music, classical can help, too. And Space Music helps me sometimes.

Sometimes I just lie down and stare and refuse to move. I can just stand there and stare or lie down.
Petting animals and feeling the fur.
Staring into the eyes of people who love me.
Looking into the eyes of people who would love it if I hurt myself. THAT is a big deterrent.