Coping with negative/suicidal thoughts.

A coping technique that helped me was to think about whether or not those thoughts were rational.

This involved figuring out whether the thought is motivated by emotions or rational ideas.

There's a three step process to this:

1) Identify the thought

2) What are the facts supporting the thought?

3) Should you keep the thought if there aren't supporting facts?

@Former-Member

Think of this way. If you've had the strength to get this far, then you'll have the strength to go even further 😄

Who is to say that tomorrow won't be any better?

Hi @Former-Member

I'm sorry to read that your appointment has been pushed back an extra 2 weeks. That hardly seems okay - but it's great that you're reaching out here on the Forums.

Those services that @Former-Member mentioned are a good option. Unfortunately we aren't a crisis service, so if things to escalate, it's important to get the help you deserve. She mentioned -

Lifeline: 13 11 14 and their online chat

Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 and their online counselling

There's also a great discussion thread called 'Coping Box' where people have posted the things that help them when they have urges. Perhaps browsing through there might help you find a distraction?

Take care,

Nik

You are not struggling alone, neither are you alone.

Also, did the Psychologist tell you why your appointment was put back to a later date? And have you contacted him/her to say you are struggling and if they would see you ASAP? I would hope that this Psychologist would rearrange their schedule to see you urgently, and to be honest, I would expect that if I were in this situtation with my own Therapist. Maybe you can speak to your Psychologist and ask for helpful things to try until you see him/her?

If you can't see the Psychologist, then can you make an urgent appointment with your Doctor?

I also think another point was made in this Forum about contacting a help-line. I have found Lifeline (either via phone or their online chat during night hours) very helpful.

Otherwise family or friends you trust to help you and talk to or who can visit you. I also find positive distraction good - TV, music you enjoy, books to read or something to help you take your mind off the thoughts.

During those times I struggle I find that writing a list of those things in your life that are positive - and I know we have times where we can't see those things as positive but they are actually there. Even something so simple as going to my window and watch our little Blue Fairy Wrens 'singing' is something visual that I see and also that I hear (and they are so cute, tiny little birds). Nature is a wonderful distraction.

I also know for a fact these times pass and that's what I tell myself when I am struggling - they always pass because they always have and I have come out the other end. But please try to make contact and request your Psychologist bring forward your session time.

Keep posting here if it makes you feel better, or contact Lifeline or another helpline.

Please take care.

JJ.