Coping

Some ways to cope with suicidal thoughts and feelings

• Talk with someone every day, preferably face to face. Though you feel like withdrawing, ask

    trusted friends and acquaintances to spend time with you.

• Be with people who aren’t depressed. This can lift you up and make you feel better.

• If you are thinking of taking an overdose, give your medicines to someone who can give them to

   you one day at a time.

• Remove any dangerous objects or weapons from your home.

• Avoid alcohol and other drugs of abuse.

• Wait until you are feeling better before doing things you find difficult.

• Make a written schedule for yourself every day and stick to it, no matter what.

• Set priorities for the things that need to be done first. Cross things out on your schedule as you

   finish them.

• Don’t skip meals. Eat a well-balanced diet that includes protein

• Eat regular meals avoid comfort eating as this will make matters worse.

• Get at least eight hours of sleep each night.

• Exercise in a way that makes you perspire.

• Walk, run, dance, hike or bike – more than once a day if at all possible.

• Get in the sun at least 30-minutes a day (can be combined with exercise).

Schedule pleasurable activities

Schedule at least two 30-min. periods for activities that give you pleasure such as:

• Shopping

  • Watching your favourite DVD or video

    • Participating in a hobby

      • Meditating

        • Doing needlework

          • Taking a warm bath

            • Sewing

              • Writing

                • Playing games

                  • Playing a musical instrument

                • Gardening

              • Playing with your pet

            • Taking a drive or a walk

        • Doing relaxation exercises

      • Reading a book or magazine

    • Listening to soothing/pleasant music

Avoid the kind of music that is depressing or advocates suicide such as

heavy metal or certain types of blues music