Coming Back from the Brink and Embracing Life
When someone attempts suicide, it means that they are in so much pain that they just want to end it all. While some people end up, unfortunately, ending their own life, it is estimated that 85-90% of people survive. For these people, there are consequences to deal with, and life to improve so that suicide no longer looks like an attractive option.
Catalina can help with the support and programs needed to recover fully and regain your happiness and mental health, with experienced health professionals and programs of treatment.
This article looks at our proven programs, and what to do if you or a loved one has attempted suicide. If you’d like more information on what happens after a suicide attempt, speak with Catalina Behavioral Health in Tucson, Arizona today!
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Imagine. You’ve just attempted suicide and you’re feeling completely overwhelmed. You feel guilt, fear, shame, and confusion as you try to make sense of what has happened. Perhaps you have just left an emergency department at a local medical clinic. It can be difficult to process all the emotions that come up after a suicide attempt–both in yourself and from those around you. But there is hope, and there are resources available for your recovery.
It can be frightening to reach out for assistance, but it’s necessary for you to get the care and support you need from the appropriate health service. Consulting a professional should be your first step after a suicide attempt as they will be able to assess your mental health and provide tailored advice about how best to recover. This could involve talking therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and/or medication, depending on your individual needs.
Rehabilitation Following An Attempted Suicide
In answering what happens after a suicide attempt, rehabilitation is an invaluable resource for those who have attempted suicide. Such facilities, and our offerings at Catalina, are designed to provide round-the-clock care and support from healthcare professionals.
Our rehab center can also provide the necessary structure and enough support to help you cope with your mental health issues while teaching you more about how to manage them in the long term.
What Does Suicide Rehabilitation Involve?
Rehab for mental health typically involves structured programming and therapy sessions to help you cope with your suicidal thoughts and feelings. These can include individual therapy sessions, group therapy, art or music therapies, mindfulness exercises, yoga or meditation classes, as well as other activities that are designed to bring about self-discovery and healing.
Note that rehab centers like Catalina will also provide other support services such as education on self-care, nutrition, and lifestyle changes.
Remember that recovery from a suicide attempt takes time. You may find yourself overwhelmed by the process of healing and recovery, but it is possible to make progress and turn your life around. Be patient with yourself and accept that there will be setbacks along the way.
What To Do Following A Suicide Attempt
If you’ve just attempted suicide, the most important thing is to focus on your recovery. That may mean taking some time off work and putting other responsibilities aside for a while. It can be hard to ask for help or take a break from your daily life, but it’s essential to give yourself the best chance of healing from depression and overcoming the darkness.
Taking time to rest, reflect, and process what has happened can help you get back on track. If you have a support system, ask for their help in taking care of your day-to-day obligations. This can be an incredibly difficult time, and allowing yourself to focus on recovery is an important part of the process.
Form A Support Network
After a suicide attempt, rally a strong support network of people you trust. This may include family members, close friends, spiritual advisors, or a mental health worker. These supportive people can help you take the necessary steps to make sure that your safety and well-being are priorities during this time of healing.
They can listen, encourage, and be an emotional rock for you. It can be difficult to talk about your experience, but reaching out for help—even if it’s just to a friend—is an important step in the healing process.
We would be honored if you choose Catalina as a support system as well, and our staff look forward to helping you (or your loved one) find a path back to healing and health.
Take Care Of Yourself
Taking care of yourself is one of the most important steps in your recovery after a suicide attempt. It can be hard to make these decisions, especially when it feels like you’ve lost control over so many aspects of your life. But self-care doesn’t have to be difficult or complicated; it can be as simple as taking a few moments for yourself to breathe deeply or go for a walk.
You can also make sure that you’re eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and staying hydrated. These small actions can help you stay grounded during a difficult time.
Reach Out To A Mental Health Professional
If you’re struggling to cope after a suicide attempt and are experiencing poor mental health conditions, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help. Reaching out to a mental health worker at Catalina can provide you with the resources and support that you need to heal from your experience. We can also work with you to develop coping strategies and tailor a treatment plan specific to your needs.
If you are unsure of where to find someone who can care for your mental health following a suicide attempt, speak with Catalina Behavioral Health today. We have specialists who have helped many people pick up the pieces during suicide attempt recovery.
Support Groups Following A Suicide Attempt
If you, or someone you know, has experienced a suicide attempt, remember that help and support are available. There are many organizations and support groups dedicated to both suicide prevention and helping those who struggle with suicidal thoughts.
These groups can provide an outlet for talking through difficult emotions as well as a safe space to express yourself without judgment. They can provide a sense of support service one of understanding and create an environment of acceptance.
Virtual Support vs Local Support Groups
Support groups are available both online and in person. Online support groups can be accessed from the comfort of your own home, allowing people to remain anonymous if they prefer. In-person support groups offer more opportunities for interaction with others who have gone through similar experiences.
Whether trauma has been a source of a suicide attempt or not, support groups can also aid in trauma recovery, and others can often help identify with and provide perspectives on whatever caused the suicide attempt.
Joining a support group can be incredibly beneficial in providing the help and support needed during difficult times. These groups are dedicated to helping people find resources and strategies for managing suicidal thoughts as well as providing emotional and other mental health services and support.
Note that these support groups do not necessarily have members with a professional background in mental health and that it is recommended that you additionally enlist the guidance of a professional alongside joining a support group.
Developing a Safety Plan Following A Suicide Attempt
Developing a safety plan is a vital step in recovering from a suicide attempt. After attempting to take your own life, you need to consider how best to keep yourself safe in the future. A safety plan can help by providing guidance and structure when times get tough. It identifies steps you can take before suicidal thoughts become too intense, and it offers a way to reduce distress when those thoughts do occur.
The first step in creating a safety plan is to identify triggers that may increase suicidal thoughts or impulses. These can be internal (such as feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness) or external (such as being around unsupportive people). Knowing what to be aware of can help you recognize when your mental health is in danger.
The next step is to make a list of coping strategies that have worked for you in the past, such as deep breathing exercises or talking to supportive friends and family. It’s also important to know how and where to get professional help, such as emergency services such as by calling a crisis hotline or speaking with a therapist.
Gaining Awareness and Creating an Action Plan
Once you have identified potential triggers and coping skills, the following step is to create an action plan. This should include specific steps that you can take when suicidal thoughts become too intense. For example, it might include going for a walk in nature, talking to someone supportive (like a friend or family member), or calling a crisis helpline.
Make sure you review your plans on a regular basis. This will help you remember the steps you need to take and ensure that it still reflects your current needs. A trusted friend or family member can also help you review your plan and provide support if any of the steps need to be updated.
Why Do People Attempt Suicide?
One of the most common reasons people attempt suicide is due to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. When someone is struggling with a mental health disorder, they often feel overwhelmed by negative thoughts and emotions that can seem impossible to escape from.
The pain and distress caused by these feelings can become too great for some to bear, leading them to feel suicidal and attempt suicide as a way out of their suffering.
Traumatic Experiences
Another major reason why people may attempt suicide is due to traumatic experiences in their past or present. Traumatic events such as abuse, neglect, or bullying can cause immense emotional distress that may feel too difficult to work through.
For some, suicide may seem like the only way to escape from this pain and get away from the source of their trauma. Despite how hard it can feel, effective trauma treatment programs are available at Catalina and elsewhere that can help you to move forward and process the events causing distress.
Social Isolation
Social isolation can be a major factor in someone’s decision to attempt suicide. When people lack a sense of connection with those around them, it can lead to feelings of loneliness and hopelessness which can drive them toward suicide.
Without meaningful relationships or support networks, it may feel like there’s no hope for improving their lives and they might see suicide as the only option.
Substance Abuse
Substance abuse is another factor that can contribute to someone attempting suicide. Substance abuse often leads to an increased risk of mental health issues requiring treatment like depression and anxiety, which can make it even harder for someone to cope with difficult emotions. In extreme cases, the effects of substance abuse can be so dire that suicide may seem like the only way out.
Dealing with combined suicide attempt recovery and substance abuse disorder is often more challenging than dealing with either separately. Make sure that you address all of the issues involved when you seek wellness, such as with a dual diagnosis treatment approach.
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Get Support and Suicide Attempt Rehabilitation at Catalina
If you or a loved one has recently attempted suicide and you are concerned about future suicide attempts, it is time to get help. Some people neglect to get help due to the stigma surrounding suicide. We are here to tell you that there is no suicide stigma at Catalina Behavioral Health.
We only want to help you recover from your suicide attempt, and help you to deal with the issues that are getting in the way of you being happy. Please contact us today so we can work together for your future. All calls are confidential, so reach out to get options now!