Steps During Crisis
Lighthouse Wellness & Vitality is not an emergency crisis facility.
If you are in a state where you are feeling hopeless or if you are thinking about wanting to die, thinking about not having a reason to live, or even thinking of a plan to die, PLEASE promptly call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255. This is a 24-hour toll-free phone line for people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
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Having a plan to prevent self-harm is essential when it comes to keeping yourself safe, especially if you’re going through crisis.
1.
Be aware of the warning signs that may lead you to participate in self-harm. Possible examples include keeping feelings to yourself, feeling hopeless, believing that there are no options, wanting to escape your suffering, crying for long periods of time, feeling angry or in rage, being in unbearable pain, increasing use of alcohol or drugs, acting anxious or agitated, sleeping too much or too little, feeling isolated, having mood swings, social withdrawal, making threats or comments about dying, and/or talking about death.
2.
Identify the triggers that may lead you to self-harm. Possible examples include having life changes, experiencing loss, feeling alone, going through a break-up, having relationship problems, conflict with a loved one, feeling emotionally overwhelmed, having difficulty problem solving, and/or past trauma.
3.
You may try to manage your feelings by taking the proper self-care steps to feel better, including using the following strategies:
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Thinking about positive affirmations, such as; “I will get through this and this emotions will pass” or “I can find a solution for my problems.”
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Doing activities you enjoy, such as listening to music, reading a book, playing a game, playing a boardgame, meditating, walking, exercising, going out and enjoying nature, and looking at pictures that remind you of the good things in your life.
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Writing down your feelings and working on understanding yourself.
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Thinking about positive things in your life that you are looking forward to.
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Thinking about personal goals that you would like to achieve.
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Having a structure or routine, even if you feel emotionally out of control. This may include waking up at a regular time, having a bedtime, planning activities for the day, and continuing going to work and/ or school.
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Fulfilling your basic needs by eating healthy, getting some exercise every day, and getting a good night's sleep.
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Do not use substances that can make feelings of depression and suicide worse. If you are a regular user, please go to a detox center to have the appropriate care to stop using.
4.
It is important to talk to someone you trust about your feelings - someone who can hear you and discuss safe options with you that you may not have considered. They could be family or friends. Make a list of at least 3 contacts that may help you and that you can talk to. Call them.
5.
If after contacting your support system, you are not able to lower your risk. Please contact any of the following trained professional crisis hotlines and reach for immediate help:
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Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
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Depression & Crisis Hotline: 1-800-784-2433
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Teen Line: 310-855-4673
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Text: teen to 839863
6.
If you are still having difficulty managing your crisis after trying the above steps, contact the closest crisis center or go and speak to a professional:
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Aventura Hospital & Medical Center – behavioral Health services
20900 Biscayne Blvd Aventura, FL 33180
Telephone: (305) 682-7000
7.
If you are in immediate danger and need assistance, please call 911.