For many people, this grey time of year can bring up very real feelings of pain, hopelessness, or even thoughts of suicide. If you are experiencing these feelings, please know that you are not broken, weak, or beyond help. You are human, and you deserve care and support.
Suicidal thoughts can feel overwhelming and isolating, but they do not define who you are. They are a signal that you are in deep pain and need relief. Just as you would not ignore physical pain, emotional pain also needs attention and care. While it may seem impossible in the moment, healing is possible, and there are steps you can take to manage these feelings and move toward safety and hope.
Understanding Suicidal Thoughts and Feelings
When someone feels hopeless or worthless, it can feel like being trapped in a dark tunnel with no way out. Thoughts like “things will never get better” or “I am a burden” may become louder and harder to silence. Stress, trauma, loss, or depression can all contribute to suicidal thoughts.
It is important to remember that suicidal thoughts are not permanent or factual. It’s easy to become trapped in a black-and-white thought pattern. They may feel powerful, but they are a reflection of your pain, not a prediction of your future. With the right support, these thoughts can appear less and less.
Taking the First Step
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, the very first and most important step is to tell someone. Keeping these feelings inside only increases the weight you are carrying. Talking about your thoughts does not make you weak, and it will not burden others. Sharing what you are going through is a brave act of reaching out for connection.
This could mean opening up to a close friend, a trusted family member, or a counsellor. Sometimes saying the words out loud can be the beginning of relief. You do not need to have the perfect way to explain what you are feeling. Simply starting with “I am really struggling” or “I do not feel safe with my thoughts” can open the door to support.
Create a Safety Plan
One of the most important things you can do is create a safety plan for times when intrusive thoughts feel overwhelming. A safety plan is a written list that you can keep on your phone or in a notebook. It might include:
- People you can call, text, or visit for support
- Professional numbers, such as your therapist, psychiatrist, or a crisis hotline
- Grounding techniques, such as a favourite playlist, movie, or meditation that has shifted your focus in the past
Having a plan ready before you are in crisis can make it easier to take action when those thoughts feel strong.
Practice Small Acts of Care
When you are feeling hopeless, reaching out for help can feel impossible. Instead, try to focus on very small acts of care. Something as simple as drinking a glass of water, stepping outside for a few minutes of fresh air, or sending a text to a friend. These small actions remind your brain and body that you are worthy of care. Even if your mind tells you it will not make a difference, try anyway. Sometimes the smallest actions begin to shift how you feel, even if only a little. Over time, these small steps add up.
Professional Help
Managing suicidal thoughts on your own is not easy. Professional support can make a powerful difference. A therapist, psychiatrist, or doctor can help you understand your feelings, teach you new coping strategies, and, if needed, discuss medication options. You do not have to wait until things feel unbearable to reach out for professional help. Seeking care is not a sign of weakness, but of courage.
If you are thinking about suicide or feeling unsafe, you can call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide and Crisis Helpline. Trained counsellors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to listen and help you through the moment.
Finding Hope in Connection
When we talk openly about mental health, we reduce the stigma that keeps people silent. You never know who may need to hear that it is okay to struggle and that reaching out is a sign of strength.
If you know someone who may be struggling, do not be afraid to check in. A simple message like “I am thinking of you” or “How are you really doing?” can make a difference. Listening without judgment and offering to be there can be lifesaving.
Never Hesitate To Get Support
Suicidal thoughts and feelings of hopelessness can be some of the hardest battles to face. But it is important to remember that these thoughts do not last forever, and help is always within reach. Healing takes time, and it may look different for everyone, but it is possible.
If you are struggling, please hold on and reach out. There is no shame in needing help. The pain you feel right now does not have to be your future. You are not alone. You are worthy of love, care, and support.
Sunshine Coast Health Centre and Georgia Strait Women’s Clinic are world-class centres for addiction and mental health treatment. If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use, reaching out is the first step. Recovery is possible, and support is available. Give us a call today.
