How to Get Some Help for Suicidal Thoughts & Alcohol

For people who have suicidal thoughts, the world can seem bleak and empty with no answers. But there are many resources to turn to, and even though it may not feel like it at the time, there are people who can help and want to help. Alcohol may numb feelings, but in the long run, it doesn't solve anything and can actually make things feel worse. Suicidal thoughts are vital to address.

Instructions

• 1

  Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) if you are in crisis. It's a free, confidential 24-hour hotline for anyone who is feeling suicidal or in emotional distress.

• 2

  Talk to someone about your feelings, such as a friend, relative, counselor, medical professional or clergy member. Seek medical help if you are in crisis.

• 3

  Alcoholism is a factor in about 30 percent of all suicides, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention says.

  Join an Alcoholics Anonymous group to seek help with alcohol problems. Avoid situations in which alcohol will be present, and seek out alcohol-free situations with activities you enjoy. Tell your drinking friends that you are having problems with alcohol and ask them to be understanding.

• 4

  Read online information on reputable sites such as suicide.org and Befrienders Worldwide at befrienders.org. Discuss your feelings with online friends in online suicide support groups. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at afsp.org and Psych Central at psychcentral.com list a number of support groups. Daily Strength has an alcohol support group at dailystrength.org. Alcoholics Anonymous has resources at aa-intergroup.org. Don't rely solely on online support. Join a support group in your community.

• 5

  Remove weapons, dangerous drugs and potentially lethal objects such as knives from your home if you feel you are at risk of harming yourself. Keep alcohol out of the house.

• 6

  Get out of the house and into the sunshine. Take walks and interact with people in positive ways. Call a friend to visit with you if you can't bring yourself to leave home.