Ask HN: Alternatives to Suicide? • Hacker News Board

Re: Ask HN: Alternatives to Suicide?

#11

Post by abc_throw_away » Thu, Mar 04, 2021, 9:58 PM UTC

gwittel wrote: post #9

If you need to talk to someone ASAP please call the suicide prevention hotline: 1-800-273-8255 If you have healthcare, please try to connect with a psychologist or other form of councilor. They can help, though it sometimes can take a few tries to find one you click with. Mental health is tricky. I can offer ideas, but it’s hard to know what will help you. Throwing various ideas out there: Exercise helps. If you’re n…

If I had the money I would do a sabbatical or something. I think resting could help but it should be long enough.

Sincere thanks for your answer.

Re: Ask HN: Alternatives to Suicide?

#12

Post by alimw » Thu, Mar 04, 2021, 10:12 PM UTC

What sort of monk? I often flirt with the idea too. It's a better plan than prison for sure!

Re: Ask HN: Alternatives to Suicide?

#13

Post by vaidhy » Thu, Mar 04, 2021, 10:16 PM UTC

Here is one suggestion - It is much, much cheaper to live outside of US. You might not be rich enough to take a break in US, but have you considered taking a break by moving somewhere else? South East Asia, South America, Mexico all come to my mind.

Taking time to relax is critical and we miss it out in all the rush. Just living with content is not expensive and it is a "monkish" lifestyle.

Re: Ask HN: Alternatives to Suicide?

#14

Post by gdgdgdgbgfff » Thu, Mar 04, 2021, 10:17 PM UTC

I had depression and medication turned my life around. I take SSRIs. A more direct answer, along the lines of others, e.g. exercise, how about a cycle journey across your country? Just need a bike and a bivi bag.

Re: Ask HN: Alternatives to Suicide?

#15

Post by anonAndOn » Thu, Mar 04, 2021, 10:18 PM UTC

Can you get ahold of some backpacking equipment? If you are not in immediate danger and you just need to get out of a rut, sweating your ass off for even just a few days in the middle of nowhere on a trail like one of these[0] can be therapeutic. Sunshine, fresh air and heavy exercise are all mood enhancers built in to your OS.

[0]https://www.pcta.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/National-Tra...

Re: Ask HN: Alternatives to Suicide?

#16

Post by vlod » Thu, Mar 04, 2021, 10:18 PM UTC

abc_throw_away wrote: post #7

rosadoft wrote: post #5

First off, start looking at depression as a biochemical/hormonal imbalance in your body. Next, with this in mind, start looking for a cure. Will leaving the house more often help? Maybe, but not likely. What about antidepressants? Yes, that has a higher probability. For me, what got me off depression permanently after struggling for years was Testosterone Replacement Therapy.

I have always had the intuition that my testosterone levels were not high.

This is probably obvious, but you might want to get your yearly checkup at your doctors (GP). They'll probably take a blood sample and check 'levels'. Might give you a clue on how to proceed.

Re: Ask HN: Alternatives to Suicide?

#17

Post by danaliv » Thu, Mar 04, 2021, 10:20 PM UTC

Depending on where you live and/or work, you may have access to disability insurance. That can allow you to take enough time away from work to get some breathing room and get stabilized (I hate that word but can't think of an alternative right now) while still bringing in some money to pay your bills.

California, for instance, has SDI, which is pretty generous in terms of the kinds of conditions it will cover. Depending on how much you make it might not cover 100% of your wages, but it's also not taxable, so it comes out about even. I don't know much about other states, and even less about other countries; that's just an example.

Re: Ask HN: Alternatives to Suicide?

#18

Post by orsenthil » Thu, Mar 04, 2021, 10:20 PM UTC

REBT, wherein you can talk your brain to alternatives might help. Pick a source, and try it for few days / week / month and see if that works.

Re: Ask HN: Alternatives to Suicide?

#19

Post by staunch » Thu, Mar 04, 2021, 10:20 PM UTC

You shouldn't do anything that will be permanent because there's a good chance this is a temporary problem.

Maybe you could spend some time camping on a bicycle/hiking/slow-walking trip? Basically being homeless, but in a healthy way. Come by your parents house as needed?

Reading ancient history and ancient primary sources is my most therapeutic-feeling form of mental escapism. Maybe it could help you to project your mind back a few couple years.

Of course, you should get someone to help you. Either friends/family and/or professionals. This is normal human problem stuff you're going through and it's okay to need help.

Re: Ask HN: Alternatives to Suicide?

#20

Post by xei1Yoophai6ec » Thu, Mar 04, 2021, 10:22 PM UTC

I have a very good friend who is struggling with mental health as well and his situation started to become worse since Covid-19.

As others already commented, please ASAP reach out to a professional. I don't know where you live, but I am very sure such a hotline exists pretty close to you.

My friend called such a hotline and he got help and he is better now.

I know this is a huge step to take, but reaching out will help and it is professionals taking care and they know what they do.

Whatever your circumstances are, someone will pick you up again.

Please call; there is no reason to feel embarrassed for whatever.

PS: I've been reading HN for years now and never commented here, but I just signed up now to reach out to you.