As I reflect on Sanvello, I am reminded of what helped the most in the dark night of the soul.
1. Sanvello has a feature called a Hope Board, where you can post pictures that remind you of the parts of your life that you still love, but you can do this anywhere. The point is, when you want to give everything up, because the pain is too much, this board can sometimes remind you of what still matters to you. (Hopefully, we can talk about what makes a hope board in another post)
2. Crisis Text Line
Literally has saved my life more than I can ever count. Their goal is to get you from a hot place to a cool place. They have resources, caring people, and it sometimes just helps to say your worst thoughts aloud. Sometimes I can't even voice what is wrong, but weirdly, I can text it. If you are right at the edge, it's the best thing you can do.
3. Mathematical Questions
If you are with someone, and you are suicidal, and you have instant access to whatever it is you are thinking of doing (no examples per rule 1), have them give you simple logic questions or math questions. It requires you to think about something else, and problem solve in a very black and white way, which helps your currently black and white thinking. Sometimes we don't want to think about the good in the world when we're like that but we can think logically, and these exercises help your brain. At least, they did for me.
4. Talking to someone
This is also to get your mind on something else. You can't do two things at once, at least not well. It doesn't matter what you talk about. You'll probably forget anyway. But just talking about SOMETHING can make the suicidal thoughts ease a little while you chat.
5. Mindfulness.
I hate to admit it but this works (sometimes.) Find 5 things to see, 4 things to touch, 3 things to hear, 2 things to smell, 1 thing to taste. Sounds stupid but it works. Especially if you're having anxiety on top of it (I know I did. Being suicidal is terrifying.)
6. Better Stop Now App
I think I used this once but it's worth a mention. Try it when you're in that space. It works.
7. Candy Crush
I will point out candy crush (or another puzzle game like gemcrafters) as being a miracle to any suicidal or anxious person. It distracts you, makes you think logically, and is soothing (no timers) all at once. If you are suicidal and need to keep your mind on something else for the time it takes for the ambulance to come get you, this is your game. Keep your hands on your phone and play.
8. Calm Harm, Clear Fear. There are two apps here, but they both help. They have a bunch of coping skills and one may very well be the right thing for you at this moment.
9. Great Big Story
A video channel that shows the light side of life on You Tube. They show far away places, amazing people, and cool animals. Similar to a hope board, this will remind you why some parts of life might be worth hanging in there a little longer for.
10. Refusing to Move
Just what it sounds like. If you are suicidal, find yourself a safe place. Mine is my bed, but yours can be anywhere that's safe. The floor is now Lava. You cannot move from your bed. Tell yourself over and over, you are safe on your bed. Don't move.
11. Medication
Not my first choice, but it is an option. I had as needed meds that knocked me out. I used them when I was suicidal to save my life. Not fun, but an option. Talk with a doctor for sure.
12. Hiking
For me, the woods were a safe place. I couldn't think of many ways to hurt myself, but I could walk and walk and walk and let me thoughts roll and roll without risk of hurting myself. I often felt better after.
13. https://www.metanoia.org/suicide/
Stopped a few attempts right in their tracks. This is definitely one to use when you're really on the edge.
(I hope to link helpful articles about suicide later.)
14. Sleeping
First choice? No. But if you're tired, and it's late and you can, sleep. You'll be surprised how much looks better in the morning.
15. Being with someone
Having someone just physically sitting with you is life saving, because for most of us, it's way too awkward to have someone watch that, and we don't want to traumatize them. Plus, we figure (rightly) that they'll try to stop us.
If you do nothing else on this list, please, at least do that. It's not huge, but it could definitely save your life.
~ Emery
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