Distraction Techniques

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DISTRACTION

TECHNIQUES
EXAMPLES OF DISTRACTION
TECHNIQUES

When experiencing thoughts of


suicide, it can be helpful to try and
use distraction techniques as part
of your plan to stay safe.
Distractions can bring focus to
something else which can help
quieten those thoughts.

Everybody responds differently to


distractions. What works for one
person, may not work for someone
else. This document can be used as
a starting point to explore the types
of distractions that can be helpful
for you when managing thoughts of
suicide.
SELF-CARE ISNT SELFISH

Remember to allow yourself to feel your


emotions. Distracting yourself from them
constantly will inhibit your ability to
understand your feelings and grow from
them.

It can be hard to focus on distractions if


you are not doing the basic things to look
after yourself. Self-care is necessary and
not a luxury.

Before trying a distraction technique,


consider the following:
Have I had enough sleep?
Have I had something to eat today?
Have I had something to drink?

Taking care of these basic needs and


making sure you are as comfortable as
possible will make distracting yourself
from thoughts of suicide that little bit
easier.
PHYSICAL DISTRACTIONS

Go out doors - take your pet if you have one

Use a punch bag or hit a pillow to release some frustration

Find some space and scream and shout

Go to the gym, an exercise class or for a swim. Yoga is particullary good


for strengthening the connection between your body and mind

Sit in the garden, outside in the park or on the beach and listen to the
sounds of nature

Try and do some cleaning and tidying

Play with a stress toy

Ball up your socks and throw them at a wall

Dance around and burn some energy.


CREATIVE DISTRACTIONS

Try drawing, painting or colouring - mindfulness colouring books


are available in most shops and newsagents

Start a blog. Perhaps you can write about how you get through
difficult times to help others going through similar experiences

Make a playlist of songs that can help you - these can be sad,
happy or uplifting songs

Learn a new song, listen to it on repeat until you have learnt the
lyrics off by heart

Make a HOPEBOX - see our resources for ideas on this

Decorate your room

Try cooking or baking a new recipie

Play with kinetic sand - mould it, shape it or cut it up

Make shapes using weavesilk.com - also available on iOS and


Android. Other interactive distractions can be found at neave.com.
PRODUCTIVE DISTRACTIONS

Make a to-do list for your day or your week

Do something nice for someone else - visit a friend or an


elderly relative. Invite someone over and make dinner

Try and do some homework or engage in study time

Read a book or start a diary

Make yourself a personal development plan and focus on the things


you want to do and achieve - short-term and long-term.

Rearrange or organise your wardrobe or drawers

Have a clear out of stuff you don't want or need anymore - perhaps
donate it to charity

Go shopping and treat yourself to something you want - why not buy
the materials you need to make a HOPEBOX.
SOOTHING DISTRACTIONS

Use your favourite bubble bath or shower gels and have a


long bath or shower - set the mood with candles and relaxing
music or an audio book

Wrap yourself in a blanket or layer up in jumpers and hoodies

Go to your safe place - this could be inside or outside. This should be a place
where you feel calm and safe

Switch off all your technology and take time for yourself - try sitting in the
dark and focusing on your breathing

Treat yourself to your comfort food or a hot drink

Watch videos on YouTube - music videos, animal videos, cartoons or tutorials

Engage in a skin care routine - try face masks, face washes or trim and file
your nails

Watch your favourite childhood film or something new you have been
wanting to see

Use a mediation tool such as pixelthought.co or Headspace app


(available on iOS and Android)
If you are struggling to distract yourself
from your thoughts, talking can be
helpful. For a safe space to talk through
thoughts of suicide, speak to a Suicide
Prevention Adviser by calling
HOPELINEUK on 0800 068 4141.

Try reaching out to those close to you -


speak to family and friends, let them
know how you are feeling so they can
support you with staying safe from
suicide.

If you feel you have no one you can talk


to, the Samaritans offer a 24 hour
listening service and can be contacted
on 116 123.

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