Thoughts of hurting yourself
Thoughts of death or suicide
Easily annoyed, bothered, or angered
Constant physical symptoms that do not get better with treatment, such as headaches, upset stomach, and pain that doesn't go away
What if I have thoughts of hurting myself?
Depression can make you think about hurting yourself or suicide. You may hurt yourself to:
- Take away emotional pain and distress
- Avoid, distract from, or hold back strong feelings
- Try to feel better
- Stop a painful memory or thought
- Punish yourself
- Release or express anger that you're afraid to express to others
Yet, hurting yourself does just that -- it hurts you. At first, it may make you feel better; but it ends up making things worse. If you are thinking about hurting or even killing yourself, please ask for help! Call 911, 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or 1-800-SUICIDE, or check in your phone book for the number of a suicide crisis center. The centers offer experts who can help callers talk through their problems and develop a plan of action. These hotlines can also tell you where to go for more help in person. You also can talk with a family member you trust, a clergy person or a doctor. There is nothing wrong with asking for help -- everyone needs help sometimes. You might feel like your pain is too overwhelming to cope with, but those times don't last forever. People do make it through suicidal thoughts. If you can't find someone to talk with, write down your thoughts. Try to remember and write down the things you are grateful for. List the people who are your friends and family, and care for you. Write about your hopes for the future. Read what you have written when you need to remind yourself that your life is important!
