Watch if You Are Drowning.

If you're feeling suicidal, it's crucial to take immediate steps to ensure your safety and well-being. Here’s what you can do:

1. Reach Out for Help
Talk to Someone You Trust: Whether it's a friend, family member, or someone close to you, letting someone know how you feel can provide immediate support.
Seek Professional Help: Contact a mental health professional, therapist, or counselor. They can help you navigate these intense feelings and provide the support you need.
Hotlines and Crisis Services:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (U.S.): 1-800-273-8255 or 988 (available 24/7)
Text Line: You can text "HELLO" to 741741 in the U.S. to connect with a crisis counselor.
2. Remove Access to Harmful Means
If you have access to anything that could be used to harm yourself, try to remove it from your environment or ask someone you trust to help you do so.
3. Ground Yourself in the Present
Practice Deep Breathing: Take slow, deep breaths to calm your mind and body.
Stay Present: Focus on your surroundings, using grounding techniques such as touching a familiar object, listening to soothing music, or engaging in a simple activity to keep your mind occupied.
4. Delay Making Any Decisions
Give Yourself Time: Suicidal feelings are often temporary. Delay any decision to act on these feelings by telling yourself to wait a few minutes, an hour, or even until tomorrow. This can give you time to seek help and allow the intense feelings to subside.
5. Engage in Self-Compassion
Be Kind to Yourself: Acknowledge that you’re going through a difficult time and that seeking help is okay. Treat yourself with the same compassion you would offer a friend in need.
6. Connect with a Support Network
Community Support: If you're part of any religious, spiritual, or social community, reach out for support. Sometimes, being around others can provide a sense of connection and relief.
7. Focus on What You Enjoy
Engage in Activities You Love: If possible, engage in something that usually brings you joy or peace, even if it feels challenging. It can be a helpful distraction and remind you of the positive aspects of life.
8. Consider Writing Your Thoughts
Journal Your Feelings: Sometimes, writing down what you’re experiencing can help clarify your thoughts and reduce their intensity. It can also be a way to express emotions that feel overwhelming.
9. Remember This Feeling is Temporary
Feelings Can Change: Suicidal thoughts are often linked to specific stressors or mental health conditions, and they can pass. Remind yourself that what you’re feeling isn’t permanent, even if it feels overwhelming.
10. Create a Safety Plan
Develop a Personal Safety Plan: Work with a mental health professional to create a plan that outlines steps you can take when feeling suicidal, including contacts for immediate help, coping strategies, and places to go for distraction.
Please remember that you're not alone, and there are people who want to help you through this difficult time. Reach out, seek help, and know there is hope, even when it doesn’t feel that way.

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