Crisis can pass.
Crisis can pass. You don’t have to act on thoughts of self-harm.
Children experience waves of emotion. Most adults understand this. But here is the thing, we all experience waves of emotion, no matter our age. Whether you are a teenager or adult of any age. We are human.
The trouble with intense emotional crisis and/or thoughts of suicide is that they can be completely overwhelming and isolating. We need to carry the message and share our experiences of hope so that people of all ages understand scary thoughts like self-harmful thoughts can pass. A thought is just that, a thought. Share your thoughts with others and seek support.
· Service members, Veterans, National Guard & Reservists can visit www.va.gov/REACH to learn about VA resources
· Anyone can find local resources by entering their zip code into these resource directories:
211 resources across the United States
· Reach out to a trusted friend, relative, buddy, person in your faith or spiritual community or to a crisis line like the National Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) or Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255 and Press 1), you can get support to talk through the crisis. Intense crisis is temporary, seconds and minutes matter.
· Take steps to create a home safety plan. Make sure you don’t have potentially dangerous items in your home if you or someone you know is going through a difficult time, struggling with substance use or addition or recently had suicidal thoughts.
· Store medications, substances, firearms or any other potentially dangerous items securely.
Have hope and share your recovery from crisis with others.
Waves of emotional crisis can calm like the ocean.