Anxiety: Dealing with challenging thoughts 

Do you ever find yourself overwhelmed by a constant barrage of worries and fears? You're not alone. Anxiety affects millions of people worldwide, manifesting in various forms and intensities. From racing hearts to restless nights, the symptoms of anxiety can feel suffocating. But amidst the chaos, there's hope.

Symptoms of Anxiety

• Physical Symptoms: Rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, and shortness of breath are common physical manifestations of anxiety.

• Emotional Symptoms: Feeling tense, irritable, or on edge. Anxiety often leads to a sense of impending doom or a feeling of being out of control.

• Behavioral Symptoms: Avoidance of certain situations or places, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating are typical behavioral indicators of anxiety.

The Role of Negative Thoughts

Negative thoughts are like weeds in the garden of our minds, suffocating the potential for growth and happiness. In the realm of anxiety, these thoughts can be especially insidious, exacerbating our worries and feeding into a vicious cycle of fear and apprehension. Recognizing negative thoughts as a symptom of anxiety is the first step towards reclaiming control over our mental well-being.

Challenging Negative Thoughts

1. Identify the Trigger: Pay attention to what triggers your negative thoughts. Is it a specific situation, person, or thought pattern? Understanding the root cause can help you tackle it head-on.

2. Question the Validity: Challenge the validity of your negative thoughts. Are they based on facts or assumptions? Often, anxiety distorts reality, making situations seem far worse than they are.

3. Practice Mindfulness: Cultivate mindfulness to observe your thoughts without judgment. Mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, can help break the cycle of negative thinking.

4. Reframe Your Perspective: Replace negative thoughts with more balanced and realistic ones. Instead of catastrophizing, try to focus on the present moment and find evidence to support a more positive outlook.

5. Seek Support: Don't hesitate to reach out for support from friends, family, or a mental health professional. Talking about your worries can provide a fresh perspective and alleviate some of the burden.

What do we know so far? 

Anxiety may cast a dark shadow over our lives, but it doesn't have to define us. By recognizing negative thoughts as a symptom of anxiety and employing strategies to challenge them, we can reclaim our mental well-being and embrace a brighter tomorrow. Remember, you are stronger than your fears, and with perseverance and support, you can conquer anxiety one thought at a time.

How To Help Someone With Suicidal Thoughts

TW: Suicide, Harm

Suicidal thoughts are a serious and sensitive topic that requires understanding, compassion, and immediate action. In this blog post, we'll provide a step-by-step guide on how to help someone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts. We will also address common myths surrounding this issue, encourage open conversations, and provide essential resources for those in the United Kingdom who need assistance.

What to Do When Someone Is Having Suicidal Thoughts

Stay Calm and Listen

Approach the individual with empathy, and actively listen to their concerns without judgement . Give them your full attention.

Ask Directly and Gently

 If appropriate, ask them directly if they are thinking about suicide. This can open the door to an important conversation.

Stay with Them

Do not leave the person alone if they are in immediate danger. Ensure their safety by staying with them or finding someone who can.

Do Not Leave Them Isolated

Encourage the person to reach out to friends, family, or mental health professionals for support. Isolation can worsen their feelings of despair.

Remove Access to Means

 If possible, help remove any immediate means they may use to harm themselves, such as weapons, medications, or other dangerous items.

Myth: Asking if someone is suicidal will plant a seed

This is not true. Asking about suicidal thoughts shows that you care and can actually provide relief to the person by allowing them to talk openly.

Fact: Talking About It Is Good

Discussing suicidal thoughts does not increase the risk. In fact, it often reduces the person's sense of isolation and can be a crucial first step toward getting help.

Breaking the Stigma and Promoting Open Conversations

End the Silence

 Encourage open conversations about mental health within your community, workplace, and family. Break the stigma associated with seeking help for mental health issues.

Provide Information

Share knowledge about suicide prevention hotlines and text services in the U.K. Let people know that help is available 24/7 for those in crisis.

Suicide Prevention Hotlines and Text Services in the U.K

Samaritans

The Samaritans provide emotional support to anyone in distress. You can reach them at 116 123 (free from any phone) or by emailing jo@samaritans.org.

Shout

Shout is a text-based crisis helpline that offers support via text messages. Text "SHOUT" to 85258 to connect with a trained crisis volunteer.

NHS 111 (Option 2)

 In the U.K., you can call NHS 111 and select option 2 for urgent mental health support.

Suicide Prevention Awareness U.K 

Visit suicideapuk.co.uk for live chat support. 

Where to Find Support

Mental Health Services

Encourage the person to seek professional help from a therapist, counsellor, or mental health clinic. The NHS provides mental health services that can be accessed through your GP.

Alternatively you can enrol in our private programme by visiting the “Get Started” section on our website. 

Local Support Groups

 Many local organisations and charities offer support groups for individuals experiencing mental health challenges. These groups can provide a sense of community and understanding.

Helping someone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts requires empathy, patience, and a willingness to support them in seeking professional help. Breaking down myths, fostering open conversations, and providing information about available resources can make a significant difference in someone's life. Remember that you are not alone in this journey, and there is help and hope for those who need it.