In a severe emotional crisis, we may be unable to see a solution; suicide then appears as a possible way out.A recent study proposes a distress-processing model for individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts.
In my clinical work with suicidal patients, I often heard that they did not know where to get help for an emotional crisis. They did not think that a doctor or a mental health service would be the right address to turn to. Or they were afraid of being sent to aSource: Courtesy of Konrad Michel We need person-centered models of suicide that can provide a common ground for suicidal individuals and helpers to understand each other. This is the prerequisite to creating trust and personal insight in interacting with a health professional.The first step is the appreciation of suicidal distress as a personal, understandable response to conflicts and adverse experiences.
However, when we run out of coping resources, we need professional help. Thinking that nobody will understand and keeping suicidal thoughts to ourselves makes things worse. Talking to a trusted person is the key to survival. Suicide is not a solution to a temporary problem.