Life can be a constant stream of obligations, and for a lot of people, there seems to be no end in sight. It’s just all about solving a lot of problems while hustling, and it’s no surprise that others are starting to feel something deeper emotionally.
Others might think that suicidal thoughts can manifest themselves through urgent cries for help, but there are actually less talked about forms that can be just as dangerous. It hides beneath the smiling façade that people make every day, and it does not draw any attention to itself at all. It’s not always about making a plan, but it’s a persistent belief of wanting to die.
It can be in the form of wishing that one can just sleep without waking up or wishing that one hadn’t been born. Some symptoms can show through increased substance abuse, and there’s also a feeling of hopelessness.
What are the Risk Factors?
Those who have previously attempted to do suicide can relapse when they feel hopeless. They might be in the middle of experiencing the loss of a loved one through death or breakup, and those who have access to firearms in their homes should also guard their thoughts well.
Psychiatric disorders, or those who have terminal illnesses, can also be passively suicidal. In children, if there’s a history of sexual abuse, they might be at risk, as is the case when they’ve been bullied. It’s best to get the treatment that one needs when these thoughts return, and establishing a support network can also help a lot.
Understanding the Nature of These Thoughts
Generally, those who feel that they’re emotionally disconnected don’t often want to directly take their own lives. However, they may include sentiments about not caring whether they die in the first place, and they believe that the world can be better off without them. It can be a passing thought at first until it becomes persistent that some are experiencing it daily.
Also, it’s best to know that those who are thinking about this generally don’t even have depression. Sometimes, individuals are experiencing more sadness that they don’t know how to manage. They want to put a stop to it, but they can’t envision another way to get out of their distress, and this is where they might start to ask why they’re feeling emotionally numb.
What are the Common Signs to Know?
Sometimes, the emotional distress just creeps in, and it takes self-awareness to know what’s happening. Some of the common indicators include fatigue that sleep can’t cure and a loss of interest in the activities that you’ve previously enjoyed. People also experience changes in appetite, and they have feelings of emptiness or depression that won’t go away. See more about depression when you go to this page.
One sign is often disengagement from one’s relationships, and a previously planned trip can be abruptly canceled without reason. It’s just all about withdrawing from loved ones and avoiding all kinds of conversations with them.
Also, an increase in risky behavior like reckless driving might seem insignificant at first but it can often be a sign of a larger emotional struggle. It’s best to acknowledge these patterns and minimize these “bad days” to avoid them from getting worse.
Supporting Someone Who Might Be Experiencing these Thoughts
People need empathy where they appreciate it if someone truly listens to them. They don’t need an immediate “fix” along with judgmental language. Instead, they need a safe space to express their thoughts, and if you’re noticing this, ask them if they’re okay.
Professional intervention through therapy can also help where medications might be prescribed to correct hormonal imbalances in the body. The important thing is to talk to your loved ones and listen to their story. Don’t debate with them and just be present in the moment. Assist them in finding a therapist, but don’t be too pushy.
Generally, it’s difficult to see signs of mental health struggles, but staying compassionate can actually be a lifeline that some people hold onto, especially if they’re suffering in silence.
Moving Toward Healing and Hope
The feeling of not wanting to live but not ending one’s life is more common than many people realize, but it’s something that many don’t talk about openly.
It’s best to keep track of certain situations that you find stressful and manage your feelings. Relieve stress by taking a walk or doing any physical activities that can change your focus. Get in touch with support groups or someone who just cares in general to help move forward. Find info about how to avoid stress here: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/stress.
Remember that YOU MATTER, and life is important. If it feels dark right now, it’s going to be temporary, and there’s always a silver lining to everything.
