Why shouldn‘t I act on impulse if I feel suicidal: Difference between revisions

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Many suicides and attempted suicides are done on impulse. In other words, these same people would not have tried to kill themselves just a few days before, or a few days after, or if they had thought their actions through. Think about it, what if your situation changes for the better in the next 24 hours or next week? Wouldn’t you regret not being alive to enjoy the happiness?

Give yourself some distance. Tell yourself, "I will wait another 24 hours (or even a week) before I do anything". Put some distance between your suicidal thoughts and the actual act, even if it is just 24 hours.

If the means of committing suicide are present in your house already (e. g. a firearm or poison), get a friend or somebody close to you to help you get rid of them. They should be out of reach (or at least difficult to reach) for you for at least the next 24 hours. You could possibly hand your weapon to a friend and ask him or her not to return it to you for the next 24 hours, no matter what. During this time, do not go near any dangerous places that could tempt you to act on impulse (such as deep hollows, high buildings or bridges, railways etc).

Do not drink alcohol or take drugs while you feel suicidal. Although it may seem to be like a quick way to relief and a method to lose some pain, both alcohol and drugs will reduce your impulse control and put you at risk to act without thinking.

Sources
  • Felicitas Heyne, Psychologist
  • Audiopedia ID: en020915