A semiconductor device is operable a forward current mode and a reverse current mode and comprises a semiconductor region, and a controllable charge carrier injector, and a gate. A method includes detecting, in the reverse current mode, if the present load current in the reversed direction does not exceed a threshold value, providing a gate signal such that the gate electrode causes the charge carrier injector to induce a first charge carrier density within the semiconductor region so as to conduct a nominal load current in the reverse direction; if the present load current in the reverse direction does exceed the threshold value, operating the semiconductor device in an overload state by providing the gate signal with a voltage that causes the semiconductor region to conduct an overload current in the reverse direction, wherein the second charge carrier density is higher than the first charge carrier density.