On average, about 132 people kill themselves a day. This can be caused by any number of reasons, such as trauma, mental illness, loss, or bullying. However, as our risk counselor Courtney Burns said, “Suicide is not inevitable for anyone.” If you struggle with self-harm or suicidal thoughts, here are a few tips to help with them.

Everyone who’s struggled with suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm has heard to “reach out to people” and “ask for help”, and while it’s good advice, people often don’t know where to start. It can be daunting, having to make yourself vulnerable to other people, but it’s worth it if it means you stay alive and unharmed. 

If you’re having a hard time and don’t know what you need, try to make sure you aren’t alone. Even if you can only get in a text conversation with someone, it’s better than sitting in your room alone with your thoughts. You can start with just a normal conversation if you’re too overwhelmed to talk about what’s going on. It can help to distract you in the moment, and make you feel a bit better so that you don’t do anything in the moment, and can rationalize it later. If you find yourself unable to be distracted, try asking if you can talk about the issues that you’re facing. Eventually, someone will be there to listen to you, even if they aren’t someone you’re super close to.

If you’re feeling immediately suicidal, raise the alarm. Turn to anyone you can and tell them. Don’t dance around the subject; tell them what’s going on and that you need help right away. If you have no one around you, reach out to a hotline, text line, or website. It can be terrifying, it can be incredibly hard, but it’ll be worth it. I promise.

Remember that while your opinion of yourself or your situation may fluctuate, your worth remains the same. You deserve to live. You are worthy of life and safety, and you always will be.

If you’re feeling the urge to self-harm, Mind.org suggests trying to hold an ice cube for a little bit. Similarly, if you’re about to have or having a panic attack, try sticking an ice cube in your mouth. If you don’t have access to an ice cube, try drawing, writing, or, of course, reaching out to someone to stay with you. You can also take a cold shower or use a stim toy like a stress ball or chew. 

Just remember, it really will get better eventually. It can be hard to wait and to try to make a better life for yourself when you’re stuck in a bad situation or don’t want to help yourself at all, but it’ll be worth it for the good moments that are sure to come. There’s only so much I can do/suggest as a student, so, if you can, talk to a doctor, therapist, or counselor (especially the School’s risk counselor, Courtney Burns). If you can’t, find online resources that can help you. 

The world is better with you in it.

[email protected]

Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-8255

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/suicide-resource-guide#Crisis-hotlines