Each day 121 people die by suicide. These deaths are devastating both because they mean the end of a life lost too soon and because they leave behind loved ones forced to make sense of the tragic loss.
If you or a loved one are experiencing suicidal thoughts, call a free crisis hotline immediately. Know, too, that there is always hope for a better future. Following is a toolkit to help prevent suicide.
You Aren’t Alone
Many people experience depression and other mental health disorders that can contribute to suicidal thoughts. When you’re feeling alone, their stories can offer hope and inspiration:
● “Prince William and Lady Gaga Chat About Mental Health On FaceTime” - The Huffington Post
● “15 Celebs Who Are Shutting Down Stigmas About Mental Illness” - MTV.com
● “7 Athletes Speaking Out About Anxiety, Depression, and Bipolar Disorder” - BP Magazine
● “Stories of Hope and Recovery” - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Uplifting Activities for Bad Mental Health Days
According to findings from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, around 18.5 percent of American adults suffer from a mental illness in any given year. This figure may seem small, but it means that 1 in every 5 U.S. adults have some form of mental illness. The next time you’re struggling try one of these activities in order to lift your spirits.
● Go on a date with your friends
There is no better way to salvage a bad day than by visiting your best friend or friends. When you get together with them, you will automatically start relaxing and your anxiety will be reduced. Your friends will remind you just how awesome you are – something that you desperately need to hear on bad mental health days.
● Enjoy a good sleep
Research has shown that sleep problems may not just be a symptom of mental health issues; they may actually contribute to these problems, too. Get a good night’s sleep on your bad mental health day, and it will give you the energy you need to face whatever problems you may have.
● Visit a salon or spa
Getting a massage or other salon treatment gives you the opportunity to take some time out and indulge yourself. In fact, massage has become a form of therapy today that is used to treat various health problems.
● Read a good book
Reading pushes your imagination and lets you escape to a fantasy world on your bad mental health days. Try to avoid books based on world issues and real-life. Instead, choose a fictional book that takes you on a journey to another world or a book that tickles your funny bone.
Steps to Take When You Feel Hopeless
When you’re at your worst, it can be difficult to figure out how to help yourself. Below are a few easy steps to take when you’re feeling hopeless:
● Speak with a mental health professional.
● Ask a loved one for help.
● Work on silencing negative thoughts.
● Practice self care.
● Do something you love.