Does emotional distress or emotional stress make one more prone to commit suicide? What are the solutions?

The emotions that we feel are derived from our circumstances, our character and our relationships with others. When thoughts are flowing naturally without impediment, we experience peace of mind and body. However, if there is a surge in thoughts of anxiety, the inner disturbance and agitation will cause unrest, making us emotional (udvega). In extreme cases, these thoughts will manifest in such high levels that we begin to dwell on committing suicide.

Our thoughts are like a train track. When a train (our mind) is running normally on a track (our thoughts), it is in fluid motion and there is no disruption. However, if the train were to suffer from some sort of internal engineering failure, it will derail, and could even kill thousands of passengers. If we have balanced thoughts, then we will feel calm and experience stillness. Conversely, if we lose control of our thoughts, then we will cause pain and suffering to ourselves!

Here’s another analogy: Emotional distress or emotional stress is like the snowball effect. As time passes by, the cumulative effect of the bad emotions clouds our judgement to the point where we feel that there is no alternative, but to commit suicide.

What should you do when emotional distress arises?

When thoughts go beyond normality, you move from being in motion (normal flow of thoughts) to being emotional. As a result, you become consumed with negative thoughts and you experience confusion, fear, and inner turmoil. Here are some things you can do to take back control:

• When you sense the onset of udvega, characterized by hyper-emotional thoughts, you should postpone any decision making. Any decisions made during this period will be irrational and detrimental to you. Only in a state of motion should you consider making decisions, as you are then in a balanced state of mind.
• Alter your train of thoughts. If your present state of mind is making you emotional, then divert your mind towards other things that can calm you down and bring you stability.
• Talk to yourself. Ask yourself if being emotional makes you happy or sad? What effects do such emotions have on your health? Once you recognize the adverse effects of being emotional, you will be able to better deal with the situations that come your way.
• Stop self-negativity. Whenever your mind is caught up in negative thoughts, actively replace them with positive ones.
• Emotions like jealousy, envy, and competitiveness all reinforce emotional behavior. Therefore, recognize these emotions cause emotional stress within you and be conscious of their harmful attributes.
• When you think you are on the verge of becoming emotional, focus your mind on a higher purpose or chant mantras. You will become calm and still from within.

The emotional state of the mind can be extremely damaging and dangerous, the effects of which can leave you susceptible to committing suicide. Therefore, be vigilant of your thoughts and do all you can to alter the way you are feeling. Do not allow the mind to linger on matters which will cause you to become emotional, unbalanced or depressed. If you find yourself losing control, reach out for help and support.