How to identify suicidal triggers

Suicidal triggers are situations that invoke (to bring about or cause) the urge to harm yourself. Knowing what these triggers look like can allow you to get help sooner and be able to assist a loved one who may be experiencing them.

How to identify your triggers

One way to recognize your triggers is by listening to your mind and body when you find yourself in a stressful situation. You may experience things such as a pounding heart, nausea, dizziness or sweaty palms.

When you notice these signs, stop to consider what happened and how the situation made you feel. An example of a trigger can be someone’s anger or disapproval to something you may have done, creating a feeling of loneliness and pain.

What can you do?

When you’re aware of your triggers, you can choose to not expose yourself to certain situations that harm your mental health. Being fully aware and having control over your triggers will help you be more mindful of how certain things make you feel and how to better manage your emotional state.

There are healthy ways to cope with difficult triggers. One of the most important steps is to be self-aware. Being self-aware allows you to understand the driving force behind the trigger. You can manage your triggers by applying these methods to your everyday routine:

• Exercising
• Resting
• Counselling at a mental health organisation
• Meditation or mindfulness
• Spending time with positive friends and family

Despite how bad your situation may seem, know that there are ways of coping with the issues you face, like talking to a friend or relative you trust. There are also organisations that you can reach out to such as The South African Depression and Anxiety Group on their 24hr Helpline: 0800 20 50 26 or Lifeline on their 24 Hour Counselling Number: 011 422 4242 or 0861 322 322. Don’t feel ashamed when reaching out for help. Remember that you can get through this with the right support and treatment.

If you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, a Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).