Counseling

Suicidal Crisis

Have you ever gotten so frustrated with the circumstances in your life that you wanted to end it all? Death seemed a better option than the challenge of life? Most people think about suicide at some point in their lives, yet very few actually attempt suicide. Experiencing a suicidal crisis can feel unsettling, painful, and overwhelming. In order to transition out of a suicidal crisis, it is important to determine what brought about the crisis, to understand the feelings of the suicidal person, and to deal with suicidal thoughts.

What Brings About a Suicidal Crisis

A suicidal crisis is usually precipitated by a traumatic experience or a series of ongoing experiences that undermine one’s self worth. These experiences could be related to a substantial loss, failure to achieve personal goals, or longstanding personal problems. When one’s coping system is no longer able to counter the negative life experience, depression and despair can set in and render a person vulnerable to suicidal thoughts.

Feelings of a Suicidal Person

Generally, a suicidal person withdraws from social interactions because they feel out of place. He or she may feel isolated and lonely in the midst of a crowd. The energy required for daily functioning is lacking. Feelings of fatigue or mood swings may set in. Sleeping, eating, and personal care habits become erratic. The person may refuse to eat, have problems sleeping, miss class or work, and neglect grooming habits because of feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands. Angry, hurt, and sad emotions are clouded in a cover of despair and helplessness. The way out of this downward spiral is to break the isolation and silence.

Ways to Deal with Suicidal Thought

Following are some strategies for dealing with the dilemma of a suicidal crisis. The key for progressing through this state is to connect with someone and collaborate on a more viable alternative.

  1. Discuss your fears, frustrations, and concerns with a parent, friend, partner, professor, counselor, or minister. Just because you can’t highlight a solution doesn’t mean that a solution doesn’t exist. Expressing your thoughts and feelings begins the process of reviving energy, hope, and self-worth which leads to the exploration of other alternatives to the crisis situation. If suicidal thoughts persist for more than a few days, professional assistance should be sought.
  2. Write down specifically what is causing you the pain. Further, highlight how have you dealt with the problem so far. By delineating what you have done to cope with the issue, you may open up options for alternative solutions.
  3. Counter negative thoughts with positive ones. If you constantly reflect on the deficits, shortcomings, and disappointments in your life, you will internalize a negative self-concept and outlook for the future. Focusing on the positive attributes, abilities, and personal contributions creates a more balanced view of yourself and your capabilities. Sometimes it is possible to talk yourself into feeling better.
  4. Identify people in your life who would be impacted by your killing yourself. It may be difficult to determine that someone needs you in his or her life. However, we are all involved in a human network. Someone has had a meaningful interaction with you at some point in life. Realize that you do count, you are worthwhile, and you do deserve a chance to make things better.

Life can be difficult at times. Everyone has ups and downs. Part of the joy in living is the hope that tomorrow may bring a more positive experience than the preceding day. If you are having a tough time finding a balance between happiness and challenge, you are encouraged to consult with a professional counselor in your geographical area. Students at the University of Florida should contact the University Counseling Center. See the introductory web page for how to initiate services at the Center.

Note: This document is based on an audio tape script developed by the University of Texas, Austin. With their permission, it was revised and edited into its current form by the staff of the University of Florida Counseling Center.

Counseling Center