What should I do if I am feeling suicidal, but don't want to tell anyone?

I've learned that talking to someone is the hardest, but best decision you can make when suicidal.

Write down five things you are/have been grateful for. Now take this list and analyze it carefully. Try to go back to each moment in time and process the emotion that came along with this sense of gratitude that you felt.

If you are feeling suicidal and don't want to tell anyone you could write done your feeling in a journal, talk to an online therapist without using your real name, or do calming exercises that you can find online.

When I have felt suicidal and hopeless, I rarely want to talk to anyone about it through fear of the other person not understanding, or them saying it is only for attention, or making you feel worse about it. These can all add up and be extremely overwhelming. I like to go through the day in detail, and pick out at least three things that made me smile. Three might be a small number.. but when you feel hopeless and like you have no purpose left on this earth, smiling feels like being asked to lift the entire temple of Zeus using only one finger. Take your time and breathe. If that doesn't work, then there are always people to talk to at charities like Samaritans or Suicide.org. You are never alone in this world.

If you are feeling suicidal, it is very important to talk about it. Even if you don't want to, you must! Just remember: Never do something permanent just because you are temporary sad.

Take a deep breath and step away from any temptation. Do some grounding techniques - play your favourite song, count backwards from a 100, say the colour of different objects around the room out loud. Find a mantra that you can repeat to yourself when you get these thoughts. For me, I will rock back and forth and repeat to myself ' This too shall pass', to remind myself that any suffering or pain is only temporary. You should make a list of everything that you are excited about - from aspirations about the future and friends/ family you like seeing, to small things like being excited for a new movie or album or looking forward to a trip. Remind yourself that these moments are worth fighting for. Write down 5 reasons why you love yourself and your life, do not allow 'buts'. You are so incredibly strong and you CAN get through this.

If your concern is compromising your identity: You can text a crisis text line / chat line anonymously. If you simply cannot admit that you feel suicidal (for reasons other than the fear of being institutionalized or similar practical reasons): - you can seek mental health care professional psychiatrist or psychotherapist without revealing that you feel suicidal. For example, you can tell them that you feel depressed but deny feeling suicidal or having thoughts about self-harm. - you can talk to your primary care doctor about your concerns with depression without revealing any suicidal thoughts. - you can buy a DBT skills training manual (workbook) for $23 and read it alone, privately - you can buy and use a CBT skills workbook and read it alone, privately

If you're feeling suicidal, you really should speak to someone you trust about it. From experience, I know this will help you. However, if you're not ready to get help from someone else then distract yourself with something you enjoy doing and try to focus on positive memories and opportunities.

You should call your country's hotline to get professional support. They always have very well trained persons to deal with this situation.

The thing you can do if you are feeling suicidal is not to be ashamed of it. Mental illness is not something to hide. The stigma that correlates with mental illness is what needs to change. The best thing you can do is to ask for help from someone you trust. Seeking help can be the bravest task you can perform.