Coping With Suicidal Thoughts Tied to Chronic Illness

Coping With Suicidal Thoughts Caused by Chronic Illness

Suffering from a chronic medical condition can negatively impact mental health and give rise to thoughts of suicide. Feelings of hopelessness, loss of identity, inability to work or socialize, and constant physical pain take an extreme emotional toll. While contending with a severe illness is challenging enough on its own, coexisting suicidal thoughts present another obstacle for those afflicted to overcome.

Seeking Professional Help

The first step in managing suicidal thoughts tied to chronic illness involves being forthcoming with medical providers. Therapists, psychiatrists, primary care physicians, and other specialists need crucial insight into a patients mental state in order to prevent self-harm behaviors. Effective treatment plans address both physical symptoms and underlying emotional issues.

Establishing a Safety Plan

Mental health professionals work with chronically ill patients to develop customized safety plans outlining coping strategies and support systems to utilize when experiencing suicidal urges. Safety plans typically list contact information for clinicians, family members, crisis hotlines, or emergency services. They also contain self-care activities that help redirect fixations on self-harm.

Commonly Used Coping Techniques

In addition to safety plans, those living with chronic illness draw daily strength from an arsenal of coping mechanisms helping counteract suicidal thoughts during difficult times. The specific techniques used vary based on personal factors and the nature of an individuals medical condition.

Journaling

Putting emotions and experiences into words often provides an outlet for psychological anguish. Keeping a journal, blog, or bullet point list to update when suicidal urges arise can bring relief. Referring back to these writings also helps identify triggers tied to recurring thoughts of self-harm.

Creative Pursuits

Immersive activities like painting, sewing, playing music, or writing fiction divert attention from physical suffering and its accompanying suicidal thoughts. Having artistic projects to work on gives chronically ill individuals a sense of purpose and empowerment over their mental state.

Exercise

Even minimal movement sustained over time spurs production of endorphins responsible for the runners high. Low-impact exercise like walking, stretching, or biking counterbalances the depression exacerbating suicidal ideation. These small fitness goals provide little victories to celebrate.

Meditation and Mindfulness

Quieting inner noise through regular meditation or mindfulness training helps control wayward thoughts. By staying focused on the present, those living with chronic illness avoid dwelling on memories of better health or projections of continued suffering.

Building Up Your Support Network

Bolstering relationships and forging connections significantly eases the burden of chronic illness. Prioritizing time with supportive friends and family members strengthens emotional resilience against recurring thoughts of suicide. Support groups also help sufferers realize they are not alone.

Family and Friends

Spending quality time with loved ones whose company is enjoyed provides joy and comfort. Laughter truly helps the healing process. Simple outings like sharing a meal, checking out a new caf, or watching movies together help take ones mind off their illness.

Support Groups

Participating in support groups united by a common chronic condition exposes participants to others strategies for coping. Support group members can relate regarding both physical and emotional hurdles tied to illness. The community fostered builds momentum to carry on and find purpose.

Crisis Resources

Having a list of emergency crisis lines and mental health services easily accessible serves as a safety net when suicidal thoughts become overwhelming. Local community health clinics may offer counseling or psychiatric help on an income-based sliding scale.

Achieving Stability and Mindset Shifts

Establishing recurring coping mechanisms and sources of support brings stability for those living with chronic illness. As suicidal thoughts decrease and become more manageable, space is created for positive mindset shifts regarding living meaningfully.

Appreciating Small Joys

Focusing energy on all the aspects of life still viable despite physical limitations uplifts the spirit enormously. Small daily blessings like enjoying a warm drink, reading poems, listening to music, or video calling a friend counterbalance suffering.

Cultivating Gratitude and Resilience

Concentrating on growth opportunities fostered by adversity develops grit and gratitude for each new day. Resilient mindsets emerge from repeatedly picking oneself off the floor, literally or figuratively. Valuing progress and imperfection prevents getting mired in perceived failures.

Finding Purpose

Seeking out small ways to positively impact others bestows a sense of meaning and self-worth powerful enough to silence suicidal thoughts. Whether through volunteering, nurturing plants and pets, or creating art others can enjoy, purpose sustains us.

While recurring suicidal thoughts may persist as part of the chronic illness experience, recovery remains possible with proper professional support, personalized coping strategies, connectedness, and a commitment to finding hope, joy, and purpose wherever they exist.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.