How To Avoid Having Suicidal Thoughts if Your Parents Have Them
It can be hard to live with a parent who has suicidal thoughts.Courage and will are needed to overcome anger and emotional trauma.Teens with suicidal parents are likely to have similar thoughts and behavior as well.When your parents are sick, learn how to manage your mental health.
Step 1: Negative self-talk should be defeated.
Your mood can be influenced by what you are telling yourself in your head.You have to be willing to change negative thinking patterns into more positive ones in order to fight depression.You can learn to challenge negative thinking by shifting your perspective, doing reality testing, thinking in a goal oriented manner and coming up with alternative explanations for life situations.Ask yourself what the worst thing that can happen is.Is it possible that you can handle that?What evidence do you need to support your line of thinking?Is your thoughts based on facts or opinions?What can you learn from this situation to help you in the future?Ask yourself if you can see the situation in a different way.
Step 2: Distract yourself from negative thoughts.
The last thing you want to do is sit around and watch your thoughts go in a negative direction.A routine filled with productive tasks and hobbies will keep you busy.Staying active in your day-to-day life will give you less free time to worry and more opportunities to improve your mood.Make your bed, shower, eat healthy meals, go to class, and get exercise are some of the things you can do if you follow a set routine each day.A few hobbies include reading, knitting, playing with a pet, and visiting a friend.
Step 3: Don't be isolated.
It is possible to keep a positive outlook about life if you spend time with your friends and family.Depression can be made worse by isolating yourself and failing to use your support system.Quality time with people who are positive influences is what you aim to do.Try to reach out for support when you need it.Asking for support is similar to saying to a friend: "Hey, I've been feeling a little down lately."Consider setting up a system of checking in with a friend or trusted adult often and asking them to keep an eye out for you in case they notice some dangerous behaviors that you may not notice.
Step 4: Stay active in school.
One of the major indicators of depression is no interest in activities that used to be enjoyable.It is possible to keep your mood up by making the effort to stay involved.Challenge yourself to participate in at least one extracurricular activity or volunteer in the local community even if you don't feel like it.You can make a difference to a depressed parent by getting them involved.Ask your parents to coach your sports team.To make a positive contribution in the lives of others, have the whole family participate in a Habitat for Humanity project.You will feel better about it.
Step 5: Don't use alcohol and drugs.
Teens are tempted to use alcohol or drugs to deal with problems at home.These substances can help you numb your feelings for a short time, but they can cause more problems in the long run.You can find healthier ways to cope with drugs if you exercise saying "no" to them.If you hang out with friends who use drugs, keep your distance when your reserves are low.It is possible to say no on other occasions, but you may give in more easily when you are not feeling well.If you want to hang with friends who are drug and alcohol-free, get some space from these people.
Step 6: Don't blame yourself.
It is not your fault that your parents have suicidal thoughts.Many children of parents who are depressed or suicidal feel the need to parent them.Don't put the weight of your parents' struggles on your own shoulders and stay focused on mental health.
Step 7: A stress-relief toolkit is needed.
It can take a toll on your health and well-being if you have a suicidal parent.Constantly engaging in stress-management will counteract the negative effects.It is impossible to completely avoid stress, but it can be helpful to have some activities in mind to help alleviate the pressure so that it does not lead to anxiety or depression.Deep breathing is a quick and easy way to relax in the midst of stress.Take a moment to collect yourself if you feel tense.For 4 counts, close your eyes and breathe slowly through your nose.For 7 counts, hold the breath.You have to exhale from your mouth for 8 counts.Continue as needed.Anything that relaxes you, such as meditating, listening to music, watching funny movies, reading, walking your dog, or calling a friend who is always cheerful can be included in your toolkit.When you start to feel stressed, you can use 8 to 10 activities to lift your mood.
Step 8: Exercise often and eat well.
Chomping down on fast food and lying on the couch isn't going to make you feel better.Try to eat 3 to 5 small meals each day that include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean sources of nutrition and low-fat dairy.Schedule in some physical activity on most days.Go grocery shopping with your parents and suggest more healthy options.It can be fun to work out together.It is possible to organize a family hike or bike ride.
Step 9: Turn to your inner being.
It is possible to reduce your risk of depression if you believe in higher power.It is possible to be more resilient to stress and difficult times if you have a connection to your spiritual self.For comfort and understanding, lean into your spirituality.Depending on your beliefs, prayer, meditation, religious counsel, and time in nature, you can find healing and feel better about your life.
Step 10: Be aware of your risk for suicidal thoughts.
If either of your parents has tried to kill themselves.You are at risk if you have thoughts about harming yourself.The genes that are passed down through families may be related to suicidal behavior.Depression is one of the main causes of suicide.It's important to keep in mind that having a genetic link to a parent who is suicidal isn't the end of the world.Recent trauma and drug use are some of the factors that contribute to suicidal behavior.Without the desire to act on suicidal thoughts, it is possible to have them.It is a good time to see a professional when you notice suicidal thoughts.
Step 11: Ask your parents if you can see a professional.
Unless you are experiencing depression, there is no need to worry about the genetics of suicide.Depression can be experienced differently by different people.If you suspect you are depressed, you should ask your parents to take you to see a psychologist.Your parents may be against you seeing someone if they aren't getting help for their depression.You can schedule a time to share your feelings.Tell your mom or dad that you would like to see a therapist or counselor.It's possible to say something like, "I have been feeling really low lately."I can not eat, sleep, or concentrate.If they are wary of mental health professionals, you may be able to get yourself help by seeing your school's guidance counselor.If you need outside services, this adult can help you talk to your parents.Guidance counselors must inform authorities if they believe you are in danger of hurting yourself.
Step 12: Try individual therapy.
If you see a licensed mental health provider, they will help you determine if you are suffering from depression and how to treat it.Cognitive-behavioral therapy and anti-depressants are effective in treating depression.A short-term, evidence-based approach to changing maladaptive thought patterns is called cognitive-behavioral therapy.9 hours of cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown to improve suicidal thoughts.
Step 13: Try family therapy.
It is helpful for you and your depressed parent to take part in family therapy.Attachment-based Family Therapy has been shown to reduce suicidal thoughts in teens.This form of therapy allows the family to work through conflicts and focus on strengths in order to form healthy attachments.
Step 14: Support groups are a good place to attend.
It is helpful for you and your parents to participate in local support groups for depression.You can either do it as a group or your parents can attend an adult group.You can find local support groups through the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.