After an Attempt

After a suicide attempt, you may feel many emotions including anger, shame, embarrassment or exhaustion. During the immediate crisis, you may have been hospitalized and felt overwhelmed.  You may also be processing your experience and wondered why you attempted to end your life.  With the right support, you can receive treatment and recover to live a meaningful life. While you are not alone, you may often you may feel this way.  There is help. Below are some ways to obtain support:

Create a safety plan with your health care team. While hospitalized, in an outpatient program, or with a mental health provider, you may have already created a safety plan after you are feeling more stable.  A safety plan is a therapeutic tool to keep you safe when you are feeling distressed.

Join a support group. Your recovery process can include joining a support group such as AA, depression, eating disorder, substance use or mental health. You do not have to "go it alone" in your recovery; in fact, being part of a support group allows you to see that you are not alone.

Practice radical self care. The time for self compassion and healing is very helpful during our darkest times and struggles. Your life matters. Internalizing this belief or mantra is a form of self compassion. Other ways to practice self compassion include taking a walk in nature, listening to music, petting an animal, or meditation. 

Join a community of survivors. You may be interested in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, With Help Comes Hope, or Live Through This.

Obtain resources to learn more about your recovery. Resources such as After an Attempt: A Guide for Taking Care of Yourself after Your Treatment in the Emergency Department or A Journey Toward Health and Hope: Your Handbook for Recovery After a Suicide Attempt can guide your recovery.  Family members supporting their loved ones may refer to A Guide for Taking Care of Your Family Member After Treatment in the Emergency Department.

Connect with the PEI Team to help direct you to local services and resources. If you would like to learn more about additional support or recovery services, please contact us.