Posted by Dinah on January 18, 2012, at 13:14:19
In reply to Suicidal but not depressed - whats going on?, posted by icubaby on January 16, 2012, at 0:08:09
For me, suicidal ideation comes more from anxiety and agitation than depression.
Sometimes it's an intrusive thought that doesn't really match my state of mind at all.
With the first, I try to look at the underlying problem and treat the agitation and anxiety. It seems to be almost a byproduct of those feelings.
With the second I treat it like any other obsessive thought. I externalize it by telling myself "I'm having thoughts about wanting to kill myself." instead of "I want to kill myself." I try not to fight the actual thought, but to observe it. To find it "interesting". I try not to give it too much power. Obsessive thoughts feed on energy devoted to them, even energy to suppress them. Not that you should act on them, of course, or allow them to guide your actions.
The secrecy is likely strengthening the thoughts. A good therapist will understand and won't think you're asking for attention, other than the attention you need. You're asking for help in trying to reduce the thoughts. A therapist should appreciate that.
poster:Dinah
thread:1007418
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20111220/msgs/1007666.html