CONFLICT THESAURUS

CONTEMPLATING SUICIDE



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HELPFUL TIP:

Conflict is your story’s secret sauce, supplying tension, relationship friction, and complications to a character’s journey. It comes in a million different forms, so identify the obstacles and problems that will hit your character the hardest by using the Character Builder to uncover their primary insecurities, fears , and desires. Don’t forget to include everyday conflict scenarios that will frustrate them and keep the pressure high.
CATEGORY:
Dangers and threats, increased pressure and ticking clocks, miscellaneous challenges

NOTES:
 If you've struggled personally in this area, please be aware this entry could be triggering. And if you find yourself in this situation now, know that we care about you and advise you to talk to someone. Hotlines are available in many countries and can be found here.

Suicidal ideation can result from different types of trauma or mental health issues. It may also come about from a devastating loss, oppression, or other painful life battle. As it progresses, it becomes a source of serious conflict, largely in the form of internal strife. When people contemplate suicide, the weight of their suffering can feel insurmountable, so think carefully about a character's circumstances and how they view themselves before using this conflict.

If your character is struggling with suicidal ideation, here's what it might look like to others:

Pulling away from others and withdrawing from family activities
Sleeping much more or less than usual
Long-lasting sadness or depression
Decreased interest in personal hygiene and self-care
Talking about feeling trapped, being a burden to others, and wanting to die
Noticeable wounds from cutting that are no longer being hidden
The character giving up activities or hobbies they once enjoyed
Reckless or harmful behaviors (drug use, unprotected sex, driving erratically, etc.)
Researching suicide methods
Giving away possessions
Making a suicide plan
Seeking help, therapy, or other preventive methods
Unsuccessful suicide attempts—real attempts or those meant to get help
The character appearing suddenly calmer or even happy (because a decision has been made to free themselves of an unbearable burden) 

MINOR COMPLICATIONS:
Having to put on a happy face for others
Avoiding family members' questions and concerns
Having to hide strong emotional surges (anger, hopelessness, etc.)
Discomfort from physical pain (manifestations of emotional pain)
Hiding plans, supplies, and internet search histories from others 
Being put on the spot when others express concern about the character's mental state
Difficulty finding joy in anything
Being forced to attend therapy, take medication, or undergo other preventive methods 

POTENTIALLY DISASTROUS RESULTS:
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RESULTING EMOTIONS:
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POSSIBLE INTERNAL STRUGGLES:
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PEOPLE WHO COULD BE NEGATIVELY AFFECTED:
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NEGATIVE TRAITS THAT COULD MAKE THE SITUATION WORSE:
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IMPACT ON BASIC NEEDS:
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WOUNDS THIS COULD LEAD TO:
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POSITIVE TRAITS TO HELP THE CHARACTER COPE:
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POSITIVE OUTCOMES:
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