How to Cope With Suicidal ThoughtsSuicidal thoughts should always be taken very seriously. Don’t wait to get help for yourself or a loved one who’s considering suicide.“If you feel like life is not worth living, notice changes in your thoughts and behaviors that make it hard to keep going, or you feel depressed or hopeless, it is important to trust your gut and take action,” says Dr. Harkavy-Friedman.If you feel like you or a loved one are in imminent danger of suicide, call 911 for emergency help. For immediate crisis assistance from a trained counselor, you can reach the free, 24/7 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or the free, 24/7 Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.If you feel you’re not in immediate danger, you should schedule an appointment to see your doctor or therapist to talk about what you’re going through, according to Mayo Clinic. They can help you determine the severity of your suicidal thoughts and come up with a treatment plan to manage them.Treatment options for people experiencing suicidal thoughts, per Mayo Clinic, may include:Psychotherapy Also called “talk therapy,” psychotherapy involves working with a licensed therapist to explore the root causes of your suicidal thoughts and learn skills to help you manage your emotions.Medications These could include antidepressants, antipsychotics, or anti-anxiety medication if you have a mental health condition. Managing the symptoms of a condition can in turn lessen suicidal thoughts.Addiction Treatment If you have a substance use disorder, getting treatment for it can reduce suicidal thoughts. This could include detox, addiction treatment programs, or self-help group meetings.Along with professional treatment, practicing self-care can help you feel better and can reduce thoughts of suicide over time, says Harkavy-Friedman. Some self-care strategies that can help are getting regular sleep, exercising, eating a nutritious diet, spending time with friends and family, and making time for things that bring you joy, she says.You could also reach out to family members, friends, or members of a faith community, for instance, when you feel like you need support. Having a strong support system can help lower your risk for suicide, according to Mayo Clinic.In addition, it could help to reach out to one of the suicide hotlines described above, even if you don’t feel like you’re in immediate danger. A trained crisis counselor can offer free and confidential emotional support and connect you to resources that could help.