Substance abuse is a disorder that makes the person feel weak, miserable and lacking a sense of self control, an ability to take wise decisions, and quit substances that are spoiling one’s own mindset. While at the same time, the family members of the one struggling with substance abuse are also the one fighting this battle since they are subjected to a lot of ill treatment that they might have to face because of the challenges faced by a supporting spouse is extremely difficult. Often it is seen that facing the challenge of supporting a spouse who is struggling with alcoholism and suicidal thoughts, is very tough and one needs to approach the situation with compassion, understanding, and a proactive stance.
Let us recognise the essential signs of how to react in such severe situations and how essential it is to recognize the signs of suicidal ideation, such as talking about killing oneself a sense of being emotional and miserable at all times, taking any suicidal actions, feeling a sense of loneliness and feeling trapped , there is a sense of unbearable pain and display of extreme mood swings, thus it is very important that if you witness such extreme situations one must be able to take actions promptly and responsibly.
Let us look at the steps on how one can support a spouse who is struggling from suicidal issues followed by substance abuse disorder-
- Open Communication: Having a conversation with comfort and making one’s own spouse comfortable enough to express and feelings without a fear of being judgement or being left alone at important situations. Thus one must be an active listener and having a sense of being heart, important, and understood.
- Professional Help: Seek professional help immediately. This can include therapists, counselors, or psychiatrists specialized in dealing with addiction and mental health issues. One can find resources and guidance from various organizations that can prove life changing and beneficial.
- Support Groups: being a part of the support group is one such therapy that enables the individual to battle this struggle of addiction from the point of the view of other individuals struggling with the substance abuse and facing the similar challenges. This can help reduce feelings of isolation and provide a community of understanding and one feels more motivated by having a sense of a positive approach towards their disorder.
- Safety Plan: Work with healthcare professionals to create a safety plan that outlines steps to take if your husband feels an urge to harm himself. This plan can include emergency contacts, therapeutic strategies, and ensuring the environment is safe from potential means of self-harm.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Promoting a healthy lifestyle that aims to eat healthy,consumption of a balanced diet, regular exercise, yoga practices, meditation and adequate sleep along with an overall well-being which helps the person to stay focused, manage depression and anxiety and ensure happiness and positivity.
- Avoid Substances: the only way to eradicate any alcohol abuse or suicidal thoughts and depression is by avoiding substances since any consumption of substance can increase the risk of suicide and can not be used as a coping mechanism but only worsens the situation increasing a sense of loneliness.
- Education: Educate yourself about alcoholism and mental health. Understanding the challenges your husband is facing can help you provide better support and empathy.
- Self-Care: Supporting someone through such a difficult time can be emotionally taxing. Ensure you also take care of your own mental and emotional health. Mind provides resources on how to support yourself while helping someone who is suicidal.
This is very important to understand that this situation and the battle is not as simple as it may seem but one must Remember that you are not alone in this. There are many professional therapists, resources, and support systems available for both you and your husband that can guide you to be strong minded throughout this journey against the substance abuse. It is important to reach out and take advantage of these resources to ensure the safety and well-being of your spouse and yourself.
The only way an individual can move to the right path for seeking professional treatment or being determined throughout this journey of recovery can only be possible through the support of family and close ones who can make them feel valuable strong and a reason for the person to absorb all the pain to get back to the real, sober and healthy lifestyle being an inspiration for several others who are lost in this recovery journey. Detailed research, guidance from doctors, and being part of seminars conducted by those who have successfully eliminated substance abuse can prove to be life changing, and a dream comes true for many who are engulfed in sadness, loneliness and self hate. Being determined, and strong headed throughout the journey are the keys to winning the battle.