Suicide Prevention Is Possible!

MY COPING MECHANISMS:

Here are some things that have helped me to work my way out of a suicidal episode.  Perhaps they may help you too:
*I went to sleep (even if it meant taking a sleep aid).  Often I woke up in a totally different, positive mood.

*I prayed.  I asked God for an understanding of His will for me.  I asked Him to help me learn whatever He needs me to learn.  I prayed for strength, patience, and endurance.

*I wrote in my diary or expressed myself in some other way.  I did art, poetry, writing, talking, exercise, etc.  I created art alongside someone else who knew how I felt. “Draw with me,” I asked.  I didn’t have to retreat into loneliness.  It was possible to accept having companionship at that difficult moment, and to accept the person’s support.  My friend who drew with me was incredibly encouraging to me, and made me feel loved, even though we didn’t really talk about anything.  This person’s support may not have changed my desire to die, but he kept me safe for some time, until the feelings passed.
*I made a connection with someone supportive and talked out what was bothering me.  Although I tended to retreat into the woodwork when I felt suicidal, communication was a very helpful option for when I felt a little better.

*My self-esteem must always come from seeing myself through the eyes of God, not anybody else’s eyes.  I chose to see myself through only God’s eyes, because people are faulty, fickle, and can turn on me easily.  God is a stable entity who has constant love for me.  I rest easy under His overseeing eyes.  I read the Bible and learned of His love for me, His plan for me, and His wishes for me to follow His will.  I learned who He is and what I could do to please Him.  I read His promises to me.  I made a commitment to do His will and be His daughter.

*I closed my eyes and used a visualization of a dove (the Holy Spirit) landing on me and healing me.   I imagined a light shining on me from heaven.  I’d breathe into me the goodness and healing power of the light.  I’d breathe out the pain and all the bad feelings.  I also tried imagining myself in God’s giant hands.  He was holding me, as He watched over and protected me.

*Music –I played songs with encouraging, positive lyrics.

Listening to positive, encouraging music can definitely help.  Christian music will help you to remember who you are to God.

*I wrote a list of reasons to live when I felt momentarily happy to be alive, and I kept the list always with me in my pocketbook/wallet.  When I felt suicidal, I’d take out the list out and read it.

*I envisioned my future happiness.  I chose to believe there is a place for me somewhere in the world.  I thought, “There is a friend (or mate) somewhere right now (who will later bring me great happiness), and I just have not met him/her yet.  But I will.  I must be patient.”

I just waited and watched to see what would happen next. I bought myself time. I told myself, “Something good may happen later.”

IN CONCLUSION:

These are my ideas.  I’m sure there are many more ways to cope.  I will continue to seek out ideas from other people who have gone through similar trials.  I am now in control of my life.  And I have chosen to do away with Darwin!  I have chosen to do away with the perceptions of both friends and enemies!  I even did away with my own self-perceptions.  What would I know?  I come from a dysfunctional background.  I have my own illness.  God will see me through because God is merciful and loving.  If God is for me, who can be against me?  If I am for myself, am supportive of myself, and take helpful actions, I will overcome.  I am stronger than I was before.  And I now toss away Shakespeare’s question: “To be, or not to be?”!  I have grown in many ways: I now have a loving husband, a beautiful home, a career in nursing, and a beautiful life. I love myself and I am happy to be alive.  I look forward to an even better life in a perfect heaven after Jesus returns. But for the time being, I serve the Lord and do good works because I am so glad He has adopted me and saved me from certain death.

Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
1-800-273-8255