Passive suicidal thoughts involve thinking about death, but never actually planning or following through with suicide. While this may seem like a minor issue, constant thoughts of death and dying can be taxing on depressed minds; creating a vicious cycle of suffering that can be difficult to break. Waking up every morning wishing you were dead isn’t exactly conducive to a productive lifestyle. Here’s what to do when you don’t want to live, but don’t want to die either.
Reach Out
This will be a difficult step to take, but is arguably the most important one of all. Reaching out to those around you and letting them know what you’re feeling will bring a sense of understanding to your loved ones (especially if you’ve been acting strange or out-of-character) and let everyone know what’s really going on. It can also be the indicator your loved ones need to get you help; whether it be in the form of counseling, support groups, or medication.
Understand that what you’re feeling may be alarming to some of those around you, especially if they don’t understand depression or mental illness. Passive suicidal thoughts have been stigmatized much like the rest of mental health, and some people may even think you “just want attention” or that it’s “not that serious”. If this is the case, it’s best to go elsewhere for help.
This isn’t an indicator of a problem that you have, but rather an issue that they have; whether it be a lack of education on the subject or an open mind to embrace new ideas and things they may not understand. It’s better to reach out to people in your life who you’re sure will understand you are suffering and take a more empathetic approach to helping you out.
Get Professional Help
Besides reaching out to friends and family to let them know what’s going on, you’ll want to also get in touch with either a support line, online or in-person counselor, or some other professional resource. While it’s one thing to manage your symptoms, it’s another thing entirely to begin taking the necessary steps toward overcoming your suicidal thoughts and reclaiming your life.
Professional counselors and therapists will have valuable knowledge and insight on your condition and will be able to offer you someone to talk to in a private and confidential setting. When you’re wanting to die but not suicidal, sometimes the emotions are simply too complex to work through on your own or with someone with no formal training.
Don’t underestimate the power of even one group or individual therapy session. You’ll be able to dig into the reasons behind your passive suicidal thoughts and gain further understanding of what you can do when these thoughts arise. These professionals exist for a reason; to help people like you come to terms with their illnesses and regain their confidence and love for life. Make an appointment today and start your journey toward recovery.
Create a Plan
Crafting a plan with your therapist or simply on your own can give you a tangible goal to reach in the future. With this plan in place, you’ll have something to reach for and can give yourself confidence boosts along the way. Suicidal thoughts can take the pleasure out of life, but with an effective plan in place to address these thoughts and work through them, you’ll be able to reclaim your happiness and become free of those thoughts once and for all.
Your plan should include some form of professional help, as well as updates for your friends and family and focus on eliminating those habits that only serve to exacerbate your passive thoughts. Going to therapy and/or eliminating substance abuse from your lifestyle are just a few things that will help you get your condition under control.
Join a Support Group
Support groups exist for all manner of illnesses and conditions; from alcoholism to depression to suicide recovery and more. Support groups are offered at community centers, libraries, conference centers, and churches all over the world. Sometimes, it can be incredibly helpful to know that you’re not alone in your feelings of isolation and wanting to die. Group therapy can help you work through feelings and gain a sense of clarity you won’t find elsewhere.
Group therapy will provide you with support from those suffering from the same affliction, and there is truly power in unity. Where conquering passive suicidal thoughts may have seemed impossible alone, with a support group behind you, you’ll have people at your side every step of the journey.
The Take-Away
Passive suicidal thoughts can be incredibly stressful and debilitating, but with the right guidance, support, and professional help, you can work to manage your condition and gain control of your mind once more. Living with passive suicidal thoughts doesn’t have to be your norm any longer; take control of your mind and your mental health today by seeking out counselors or support groups near you.
