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Suicidal thoughts and self-harm

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Sophie_M Do you have a safety plan?
  • replies: 97

Safety planning involves creating a structured plan – ideally with support from your health professional or someone you trust – that you work through when you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, feelings, distress or crisis. Your safety plan starts wi... View more

Safety planning involves creating a structured plan – ideally with support from your health professional or someone you trust – that you work through when you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, feelings, distress or crisis. Your safety plan starts with things you can do by yourself, such as thinking about your reasons to live and distracting yourself with enjoyable activities. It then moves on to coping strategies and people you can contact for support – your friends, family and health professionals. The safety planning model was developed in the US by suicide prevention experts Barbara Stanley and Gregory Brown. It has been used extensively by US veterans’ health organisations, hospital emergency departments and high schools, and there is strong evidence that it works. Many health professionals in Australia also use some form of safety planning to support clients experiencing suicidal thoughts or feelings, or after a suicide attempt. beyondblue has an app you can use to create a safety plan, called BeyondNow. The BeyondNow app takes the principles of safety planning and makes it even easier to use – so rather than carrying around a piece of paper, you’ve got it on your phone at all times. It’s free to download from the Apple Store or Google Play. If you don’t have a smartphone or would prefer to use your desktop or laptop, BeyondNow is also available to use on our website. Do you have a safety plan? Do you have questions around how you might create one, or fill out some of the sections? This thread is for discussing ideas around creating a safety plan, and sharing tips about what has been most useful about this process for you. Below are two videos featuring Peter and Nic, who have both used safety plans successfully. Peter Nic

Sophie_M PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: posting in this section
  • replies: 0

Life gets pretty hard sometimes and many people in this online community have had times where they have thought about hurting themselves or ending their life. This can be a stressful and at times overwhelming experience, and this section is here to h... View more

Life gets pretty hard sometimes and many people in this online community have had times where they have thought about hurting themselves or ending their life. This can be a stressful and at times overwhelming experience, and this section is here to help members who have had these experiences. This is a place to share where you are at, seek ideas for help and know that you are not alone. We are here to create a safe environment for everyone. Please do not provide any details about any plans/ideas that you may have had to hurt yourself, and importantly, help us to understand if you are safe by letting us know in the post. Making comments that let us know that you are having thoughts, but are safe, helps us to know that your conversation can continue without interruption, and that we do not need to put any further follow up for you in place. This section will not be for everyone.It shows posts from people who are distressed, offers public replies to these posts, and encourages people to come back and share how they got past that difficult point in time - what worked, what didn’t and how they now approach these difficult thoughts. It is important to think about what you want from the forums, what information you need and what threads will be helpful to your situation, rather than reading everything that is posted. For some people this section might be difficult to read – if it is not helping how you feel, then please consider moving to another section. This section, like the rest of our forums, is closely monitored and all posts are reviewed by moderators before publication. Moderators will also ensure that anyone needing follow up will be provided with information about how to access further support. ​This section remains a discussion forum focused on helping each other through the dark times, it is not a crisis support service. Any posts that do not abide by the community rules will not be published. Unlike other areas of the forum, threads in this section will be closed after a period of one month of inactivity. If you are in crisis or need immediate help, assistance is not available via these forums. Please call Suicide Call Back 1300 659 467, Lifeline 13 11 14 or contact emergency services on 000.

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Cocotheythem Occurring Suicidal thoughts
  • replies: 10

Hi everybody, I have been experiencing suicidal thoughts for quite a while now. I have started to self harm and I cant stop. I am lacking sleep and I am feeling upset or down often, about different things. I don't know how to stop the pain I'm feelin... View more

Hi everybody, I have been experiencing suicidal thoughts for quite a while now. I have started to self harm and I cant stop. I am lacking sleep and I am feeling upset or down often, about different things. I don't know how to stop the pain I'm feeling. I often find myself thinking about what my friends and peers life would be like without me, and feeling like nobody likes me. I also find myself thinking about death. My life honestly isn't the greatest right now and it hasn't been for a while. I don't feel like there's anybody I can talk to about my suicidal feelings, as I tried talking to a friend and they ignored me, and when I tried talking to a family member they refused to believe it. I feel like nobody likes me, and there's no need for me in this world. I don't know what to do anymore.

Helarctus Today is not a good day.
  • replies: 12

I'm not sure where things will fit, and I apologise in advance for any confusion I bring. In spite of my efforts to be clear, I confuse. Everything feels like an overreach, that I have fumbled into better position than I deserve or earn. Sidestepped ... View more

I'm not sure where things will fit, and I apologise in advance for any confusion I bring. In spite of my efforts to be clear, I confuse. Everything feels like an overreach, that I have fumbled into better position than I deserve or earn. Sidestepped hardships by accident and fallen onto my feet at a run ahead of the starters gun. Lauded for crossing the finish line first when I didn't even know I was in the race. Somehow even with all my luck, I am never enough for the things I strive for. Position, promotion, purpose, pointless. My arms shorten as raise them, fingers fail to fold around and grip, eluding. Everything I am is a dice roll in someone else's game. The days are easier when I can accept I am less. Watching things unfold and filling minor supporting roles that create no risk of drama seems where I am most apt. My ego rises and I have to remember to punch it down. Jam my fist in my mouth and keep my head bowed. Rally against myself as the common enemy til I am numbed by the bruises and left in the corner. Time to make another appointment. Helarctus.

bluedots No other way out
  • replies: 7

i've been essentially feeling suicidal for the past 6 weeks, triggered by falling terribly behind on uni work and still not having caught up even though assignments are due which i haven't started and i don't see myself finishing on time. i'm current... View more

i've been essentially feeling suicidal for the past 6 weeks, triggered by falling terribly behind on uni work and still not having caught up even though assignments are due which i haven't started and i don't see myself finishing on time. i'm currently seeing a counsellor at my uni although we've only had a few sessions and i've always been terrible talking about my emotions with anyone, let alone a literal stranger. they know about my suicidal thoughts but not in terrible detail. i'm considering presenting myself to the emergency department but i don't know what will happen after that. i'm worried about not being taken seriously considering i've never attempted nor do i actively self harm(i have mad impostor syndrome in other areas of my life + i kinda chickened out 2 weeks ago? i walked past the entrance and didn't end up walking in) i also don't exactly want my parents to find out (i still live with them and they are often overbearing and aren't exactly the worlds biggest mental health advocates)

Musicfan9 Worthless
  • replies: 2

Feeling worthless and empty, feel like everyone is better of without me in there lives, just want to give up on everything, don't know how to become happy again cos everything is just falling apart

Feeling worthless and empty, feel like everyone is better of without me in there lives, just want to give up on everything, don't know how to become happy again cos everything is just falling apart

ozzmosis Centerlink dsp depression and headed towards Suicided
  • replies: 6

I asked for help from Centrelink, begged them for help, any help and then had a total break down on the phone to Centrelink, while trying to get a claim rejection for disability support, sorted out and told them to contact my doctor and specialists w... View more

I asked for help from Centrelink, begged them for help, any help and then had a total break down on the phone to Centrelink, while trying to get a claim rejection for disability support, sorted out and told them to contact my doctor and specialists which i also had put in paper work for, they refused to even talk to the doctors or specialists, instead saying we only go on the info provided and the items you provided, only = 10 point, what total rubbish, I have been fighting since 2008 for Centrelink to see sense, since then my problems have slowly got worse, the amount of paper work i have handed in is insane over the years and have copies of it all the paper work, my problems are = chronic lower back pain, also i have Dsm-v criteria for adjustment disorder, traumatic stress disorder, a comorbid history of cluster b/c personality disorder, traits mainly impulsive and avoidant, neurocognitive deficits, I not able to truly relax, MY ptsd effects my nervous system, causing me to be constant fight or flight mode, I suffer from anxiety depression. which effects every part of my day to day life. I forget things and have trouble remembering even short time term things, and suffer from manic depression which also is effected by my anxiety, stress levels. The Government has asked me to look for jobs, and they look at what I have done in the past to which i am no long suitable for and expect me to do those jobs, to which I would be a danger to my self and others. basically i have given up what's the point if i can not even get access to the programs and support I need to help with all my problems.

Guest_3854 I Want To Die
  • replies: 3

My mind is so diseased and I am in so much pain that I pray for death . God doesn't seem to exist however. Or care. I am not sure which is worse. There is not a single human being I can speak to about it. People have their own problems and don't want... View more

My mind is so diseased and I am in so much pain that I pray for death . God doesn't seem to exist however. Or care. I am not sure which is worse. There is not a single human being I can speak to about it. People have their own problems and don't want to listen to me. What could they do about it anyway??? I should kill myself but I want some painless quick way to do it.

Checkers1962 On the brink
  • replies: 2

Have had an extremely hard time of late. Messed up bad this weekend was caught again drink driving. I know I have an issue with drink. But that's not the worst of it. My MDD is out of control. Double medicating to cope have Formication, extremely irr... View more

Have had an extremely hard time of late. Messed up bad this weekend was caught again drink driving. I know I have an issue with drink. But that's not the worst of it. My MDD is out of control. Double medicating to cope have Formication, extremely irritable and highly emotional to the point of being on the verge of tears constantly. Can't deal with anything at the moment and just want to disappear. EVERY time I think I'm getting on my feet I implode my life. Sitting here tonight sweating, highly emotional and entire right side tingling making me more and more anxious. Not sleeping and can't cope with anyone else's problems. Just don't know what to do anymore.

Tulips123 Heartbroken
  • replies: 1

My husband of 28 years walked out 6 weeks ago. He says (in a text!) he doesn’t want to be a couple anymore. I can’t sleep, I have times where I feel suicidal, I miss him desperately. I love him dearly, I cannot imagine a life without him, our kids fi... View more

My husband of 28 years walked out 6 weeks ago. He says (in a text!) he doesn’t want to be a couple anymore. I can’t sleep, I have times where I feel suicidal, I miss him desperately. I love him dearly, I cannot imagine a life without him, our kids finally are grown up after multiple mental health challenges, both dropped outdo year 12 but one has just started uni, I was looking forward to finally having some time together with less stress and instead I am in shock. How do I keep going? My family are negative, unsupportive people. I feel like I am just a burden to my friends, some of whom dumped me because they got tired of hearing bad news all the time. I just feel devastated and it’s getting worse and worse. Husband has agreed to attend counselling in 3 weeks, by I think that’s just to repeat that it’s over. I’m scared what I will do then.

AMDB Just not worth it
  • replies: 4

I am a sixty year old male and I have come to the conclusion the world doesn't care about anyone who isn't young and is suffering. The people around me will miss my wallet and money, but sadly I feel the will not miss me. My second wife saw me lookin... View more

I am a sixty year old male and I have come to the conclusion the world doesn't care about anyone who isn't young and is suffering. The people around me will miss my wallet and money, but sadly I feel the will not miss me. My second wife saw me looking at some porn on the internet and she reckons she must be married a pervert. When she gets a idea in her head there is no moving it, so I will be a pervert for the rest of my life. She told me a few days ago that being with me makes her want to vomit. She is my world and my only friend. Her first husband also committed suicide and I think I now finally understand. I don't think anyone could live up to her standards. I got a referral from my GP to see a psychiatrist, I call every psychiatrist in Brisbane, none would see me because they don't work with people like me. I called every day to New Farm clinic and Toowong clinic for weeks, but nothing. All psychiatrists are full and most don't "take on" older patients. I was told by one receptionist that if I had tried suicide and failed then she could get me an emergency appointment. I asked, what if I tried and don't fail. She didn't answer and just suggested I phone someone else. When you get past a certain age, you become invisible and no long valued by society. I can't go through another divorce at my age and I am just pulling everyone down with me. I am just tied of living, of the battle, of the disappointments. I don't even know why I am writing on this forum. Thanks for listening.