Apparently a great many depression related suicides take place within the first three (major) depressive episodes. It is believed that after this baptism we are able to grasp that our exposure to suicidal thinking is only temporary and will pass.

As we learn from our depressive episodes that they do eventually pass, the likelihood that we will eventually fulfill our suicidal drive is said to drop sharply.

One thing we can do to help ourselves is to seize the day. Produce a crisis plan detailing a course of action before thoughts of suicide return to overwhelm us. Indeed a number of us have found it very useful to produce a personal Plan For Life.

Importantly, this plan lists our warning signs. The things which we need to become aware of and any preventative actions that we can take if (and when) we feel ourselves slipping back into suicidal thinking and obsessing about death.

Typically such a plan would include contact information for everyone who is involved in us and our health and well-being. From the (worst case) emergency services

Contact information for your doctor, including back-up phone numbers (emergency services, pager and mobile phone) / Contact information for friends and family. / A description of medical diagnosis, not just your depression but any medical problems you may have. Include information about any medications you are taking. /  Health insurance information /  Contact information for a local suicide hotline / Contact information for local support groups etc

Educate those you trust about your condition before it becomes a crisis so they can be prepared if they are called upon to help. Provide key support people with your Plan for Life so they can act quickly, if needed. Carry a copy of your Plan for Life with you at all times so you can refer to it or pass it along to someone else who might be helping you in a time of crisis. With all the phone numbers in one place, it will be easier for someone to help.