Suicidal Thoughts: Coping Tips for the Depressed

If you are having suicidal thoughts, you are not alone. Many people become depressed for many different reasons, but know that your experience is not so different from that of others. Below I discuss some major talking points to consider before making any decision.

1. Suicide does not always "work" - If you think your current situation is bad, keep in mind that many suicide attempts are unsuccessful. Jumping out of a window or shooting yourself won't solve your problems. It may just make them worse: a life filled with excruciating physical pain, brain damage, or liver failure.

2. Financial challenges can be overcome - Even in a recession or depression, there is tremendous opportunity to create wealth. I recently read about a man who found himself in over $1 million of business and consumer credit card debts. Rather than become depressed or hopeless, he used this large debt as motivation to create a better business model. Within two years, he had paid off the $1 million and made several million dollars. You never know when your luck is going to change.

3. Loss of a loved one and relationship problems are experienced by everyone - We've all been there. Whether you lose someone you love or break up with someone, know that things happen for a reason. Find others who can relate to your loss and discuss your feelings openly with them. Give yourself a 30-day "trial period" - see if you feel better about things in a month's time. Chances are, you will.

4. Physical pain can be managed - If you are considering suicide because of physical pain, find a doctor who knows the latest remedies, medications, and is aware of alternative medicine practices that may help. It is possible you have just not found the right physician or medication yet. Modern medicine has some extraordinarily powerful painkillers, so don't give up hope.

Finally, you owe it to your family and friends not to commit suicide. They will never forgive you and your rash decision may cause a friend or family member to become suicidal as well.

We all have problems. Think about how lucky you are to simply be alive and able to have some impact on the world every day and in every moment. Reflect on the fact that the molecules in your body originally came from exploded stars and supernovas long before the Earth was even in existence; reflect on the fact that in Earth's 4.56 billion year history, your lifespan is only the blink of an eye anyway. You might as well live it out and see what happens because we honestly never know when the right opportunity, relationship, or person will come our way.