Help after attempting suicide.?

Question

I attempted suicide four days ago. It has turned my life around in a very positive way. But I was wondering if there are any groups to help people like me, who have failed at trying to commit suicide and need further guidance. I dont want to fall back into the state I was when I attempted suicide, and I also want to help other you feel like suicide is the only answer...because I know more then ever now that it is not. If you have any suggestions or know of any useful information I would really appreciate it. Thanks.

I live in the Atlanta area, for those of you who asked. And thank you to all those who gave me more support. I realize what a selfish thing I was trying to do. I just wanted to turn this bad experience into a positive one.

Answer 1

I'm glad you're on the mend, so much so that you are ready to reach out to others. Here are some more tips that will help you stay on the right path. All the best!

"GET OUT OF BED:

One of the most important things you can do is get up at about the same time every morning (even week-ends). Preferably, that means about 7 a.m. or earlier. You might not feel like it but Get Up. Such regularity helps your body function more normally so you're more likely to feel normal.

LIGHTS:

Light helps your body function better. So turn on a lot of lights as soon as you arise. Open curtains to get more sunlight. Better yet, go outdoors into the sunshine as soon as you can. Remove any eyewear so light will enter more readily (glass cuts out some of the sun's rays). But don't stare at the sun, of course.

MOVE:

Be active right away -- oxygenate! That means getting up and walking around your dwelling for five or 10 minutes, or perhaps riding an exercycle. Mild exercise gets the blood flowing and transports more oxygen throughout your body (especially to your brain), helping you feel mentally alert and alive.

MUSIC:

Select and play some energetic, happy music as you dress and have your breakfast. The audiovisual department of most libraries has albums and tapes you can check out.


BREAKFAST:

Begin your breakfast with protein (i.e., meat, eggs, peanut butter, nuts, cheese). When you get up, your body chemistry is ready to convert food, especially protein,into longlasting energy. To balance your most important meal of the day, add an orange or other fresh fruit and whole grain cereal or whole grain bread.

TALK WITH SOMEONE:

One of the quickest ways to beat the blues is to interact with others. You might not feel like doing that - you'd rather avoid people when blue. So make lt easier on yourself. Talk with someone you enjoy about a subject you enjoy so there is definite give and take.

And, force yourself to say "hello" to the persons next to you in class, those where you live, anyone around.

LIMIT CAFFEINE:

The long-term (four hours or so) effects of caffeine are depression. Try to limit coffee to no more than one cup in the morning. Coffee can make you more alert for an hour or so, but later you get an opposite reaction. Caffeine tends to increase the release of insulin in the blood, and insulin lowers the blood sugar level. When you have low blood sugar levels, you begin to feel less sure of yourself, and have low energy levels, which can lead to the blues or depression.

LIMIT SUGAR:

Sugar might give you an initial rush of energy, but within an hour or so the blood sugar level can become low, and when it's low you may feel low, too.

The caffeine/sugar cycle. It's easy to get caught in the caffeine and sugar cycle -- having coffee, caffeinated soft drinks, or something with sugar every two hours or so to "stay up." For example, cola contains about 10 teaspoons of sugar plus caffeine equal to about half a cup of coffee. In addition to bringing on the blues, this cycle can result in dependence, poor nutrition. and obesity -- reasons to get down on yourself even more and feel blue.

MAINTAIN FIBER:

Fiber helps food go through your digestive system at a proper rate, giving a more constant energy supply. Highly processed foods merely provide a quick surge of energy which can be followed by depression. You can maintain fiber in your diet by eating an orange or grapefruit rather than just drinking the juice. Eat fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, and whole grain breads and cereals.

STRESS B COMPLEX:

Some persons report receiving help by taking a concentrated vitamin B complex. You'll find these called something like "Stress B" or "B 50." This is controversial.
Some nutritionists say, "Yes, this really should be considered," and others say, "No, this is not a good Idea." You can try some and decide whether or not it helps you. If it does help, then perhaps you should consult a nutritionist to see if there are other ways you can augment your diet.

ROUTINES:

Changing your routines is another way to help shake the blues. Choose a different combination of clothes to wear, walk rather than drive, take a different route, eat at a different place. Do something different to help break the routine.

It's hard. Getting up in the morning, turning on the lights, eating a nutritious breakfast, keeping busy--keeping such a schedule is not always easy.

You might need help for the first few days, someone to help you form good habits, get you out of bed. turn on the lights, make sure you have a good breakfast, someone to help you be more active. One good way is to make a contract with a friend or friends who want to see you change. It might seem embarrassing, but
those friends want to see you healthy and happy rather than depressed and difficult to be around. Note: If you feel that you need the help of someone for more than three or four days, you probably should make an appointment with a counselor or psychotherapist. You don't want to wear out your friends!

DEVELOP SUPPORTS:

Good old-fashioned support works wonders. Most of us have not developed "support systems." We need to think about that idea ahead of time, if we have the tendency to feel blue, so that the supports can be available when needed. Plan ahead by filling out the last section of this publication and keep it handy. In addition to developing your own resources, you might know of some community support groups for persons with the blues. Call the local mental health center to see if there are some groups you might be a part of. Some places to call for leads at K-State will be listed at the end of this brochure.

What do I do when I feel myself coming down with the blues?

Recognize the change in yourself when you are "coming down" with an emotional slump. Don't deny it or feel guilty. Rather, take charge of yourself right away.

Perhaps taking a day off and doing some favorite things will restore you. Get more exercise: walk, garden, cycle, swim. You might not feel like it, but exercise is one of the best depression breakers and preventers.

PRETEND:

Put a smile on your face and pretend that you are happy. Stand straight rather than falling into that slouching, depressed posture. Sound hokey? Well, it isn't. Research demonstrates that forming a facial expression actually changes how you feel inside. And pretending to feel an emotion results in actually feeling it. Frowners feel sadder. And the depressing effects last for hours. So smile: at yourself and others, even trees or dogs or cats. Sure, it's tough to smile when you're feeling blue. The extra effort you muster to do it will help you break the blues.

Wear bright, happy clothes and pretend you are happy. You will then find yourself happy. Maybe, even wear a goofy shirt or blouse or cap so you can see others smile with you. Dressing cheerfully and pretending can beat the blues.

SEEK OUT HUMOR:

See a funny movie, read a humorous book, or listen to a comedy tape/CD. When you see a really funny cartoon, make a copy and save it. Consciously decide to use and employ these things when you find yourself coming down with the blues. Singing can help -- make yourself do it.

EXERCISE:

It's worth stating again: Exercise is a great way to break depression. Walk, go to the Rec Center and ride an exercycle, swim, or climb stairs if it's too cold or hot outside.

Do not give in to those inner blues that say, "I don't feel like it."
Doing almost anything constructive will be beneficial."

Answer 2

Sometimes it helps to flip open a Bible at random to any page and just start reading, but you need guidance to and just finding someone like a preist or a counselor, I'm sure there are hotlines that might be able to point you in the right direction, like Catholic Charities. I'm not pushing religion on you, just trying to give you ideas to explore, you don't have to accept the religion if you'd rather just accept it as a moral code of good behaviour, or the path that others have used. The point is life is a precious gift taht we all run out of sooner or later, make the most of it, and if you want to help others, that will help you too. there are plenty of volunteer organizations, outreach programs, like the Salvation Army, that will respect your beliefs and try and help you at the same time.

Answer 3

The best thing is to realize that suicide is NOT the answer. There's so many different things to help you. But PLEASE do not try this again, remember it's the most selfish way to die. You leave behind Loved one's who will grieve and blame themselves for what you have done the rest of thier lives. When I go I want my loved one's to remember me as I am and grieve as they should, no regrets. Your not just affecting you, your killing a part of those who love you as well!...your loved or you still wouldn't be here.
Best wishes!

I had to add this sorry for the length:
3 mos ago a teen shot himself in front of police and everyone right up the street from my home....I pass by there...to what used to be the place I would stop for gas and NOW all I see is a scared teen who wasted his life away to this..He called his sister and told her that's how the cops showed up...now his sister blames herself for not getting there fast enough and 5 police officers had to go home in tears....no one will forget that...his Dad who I know personally is heart BROKEN...I don't want that to be you making this impression on people.
It does disrupt the community I cried over this with my teen...it broke his heart to.

Answer 4

Attempting of suicide can be serious. It's not just depression. You need to find a counselor who can help you to overcome this feeling, especially common in mid-teens. High school, college, and social business can overwhelm you with feeling. Visit the United States national health website to get information. If you give me some time, I'll refind the site - I can't seem to locate it now. But I can tell you it's very useful, and helps you prevent things like cutting and cliques too. Talk to your doctor as well - it could be bipolar disorder, a common depression but serious - VERY serious.

Answer 5

you dont say where you are from. in uk they have a line called smaritans and im sure there is like, in other countries its a phone line where its confidental, they listen to you and put you in touch with some exprienced person in suicide, i can also say whatever made you do it please think twice in that again, my brother commited suicide 18 years ago, and i can tell you it hast a terrible impact on everyone around you. it is a selfish act. and i am always going to be mad at him for making a terrible judgement. i have often thought about it myself, so i do understand, but i could not ever put my parents through that (again) and i have a wonderful partner and 2 kids. so i just think about what i have got rather than what really upsets me and lets me down. i really hope you get all the help you need and deserve.

Answer 6

Sometimes the best counseling comes from within.
I'm part of the SGI and one of our root values is that everything that is within is also on the outside. That beind said, reflecting and searching yourself for unclouded truths of life in general and acknowledging that the answers are all around will put you where you need to be. All of the answers are inside. Just tap in.
I tap in by chanting nam-myoho-renge-kyo.
I think about things and often bring them up to those I feel are seeing things more clearly than myself.
I don't know of any good support groups because I'm the type who,knowing the answers are inside, has to find the answer inside.
I posted a request for thoughts on my google groups listing-thingy. My group is Spring of Life. Please check it out. It will help you and many others. The topic is this: The Little Things.
Think about all of the little things you'd be sad if you couldn't enjoy anymore. I want people to list them so that others can grow from them,too.

Answer 7

Hi,
It was heartening to read your post. It's great to know that you wnat to help others in stress. Check out this link http://www.befrienders.org/ There could be other links on the net. You can do a search. Somebody who has been on the other side will make a positive difference in helping others who may be very depressed. All the best.

Answer 8

I am glad that you are still among us. One advice if I may. It is maybe too soon to help others. I used to be the same way. First take the time to heal and then go out there. For guidance maybe this link will be helpful. Good luck with the rest of your life.
http://mhddad.dhr.georgia.gov/portal/site/DHR-MHDDAD/menuitem.f717a5413f20115b50c8798dd03036a0/?vgnextoid=e9d807b35414ff00VgnVCM100000bf01010aRCRD

Answer 9

I don't have a resource for you, but I did want to say that I'm so happy that you pulled through that okay. It's very cool of you that you're reaching out to other people like this. If you do find a group, I'd love to find out about it. Only people who have been there understand it so a group of people who do that won't judge would be awesome.

Answer 10

well ,this might not help you or anyone else. but it helped my . someone told me that suicide is a permanent answer to a temporary problem even if it dosent seem like it at the time. when i was about to commit suicide one time i told myself that . and im still here. also , think about it ,. when u do that . someone has to find you. the person that finds you more than likey loves you or was close to you. they will be very upset and might do the same thing...i was told that also.

Answer 11

Glad to hear that you survived and offering to help. I am sure that
American Society of Suicide Prevention would love to have your help in their program. Check out
www.afsp.org/