Symptoms and treatment of Suicide and suicidal thoughts

Description

Suicide, taking your own life, is a tragic reaction to stressful life situations — and all the more tragic because suicide can be prevented. If you are considering suicide or know someone who feels suicidal, learn suicide warning signs and how to reach out for immediate help and professional treatment. You can save a life — your own or that of someone else.

It may seem that there is no way to solve your problems and that suicide is the only way to end the pain. But you can take steps to stay safe, and start enjoying your life again.

Symptoms

Suicide warning signs or suicidal thoughts include:

Talking about suicide — for example, making statements such as "I'm going to kill myself", "I want to die" or "I wish I never been born"
Getting the means to take his own life, such as buying a gun or stockpiling pills
Withdrawing from social contact and wanting to be alone
Having mood swings, such as being emotionally high one day and deeply discouraged the next
Concerned with death, the death or violence
Feeling trapped or hopeless about a situation
The increased use of alcohol or drugs
Changing normal routine, including eating or sleeping patterns
Doing risky or self-destructive, such as the use of drugs or reckless driving
Giving away belongings or getting affairs in order when there is no other logical explanation for doing this
Say goodbye to the people as if they are not to be seen again
The developing personality changes or being severely anxious or agitated, particularly when experiencing some of the signs listed above

The warning signs are not always obvious, and can vary from person to person. Some people make their intentions clear, while others maintain suicidal thoughts and feelings in secret.

When to see a doctor

If you feel suicidal, but that are not immediately thinking of harming yourself:

Getting to a good friend or a loved one — even though it may be difficult to talk about their feelings
Contact a minister, spiritual leader or someone in your faith community
Call a hotline suicide
Make an appointment with your doctor, other health care provider or a mental health professional

Thoughts of suicide there is nothing better on its own to get the help.

Causes

Suicidal thoughts have many causes. Most often, suicidal thoughts are the result of the feeling that can't cope when you're faced with what seems to be an overwhelming life situation. If you do not have hope in the future, you may mistakenly think suicide is a solution. You may experience a sort of tunnel vision, where in the midst of a crisis that they believe that suicide is the only way out.

There may also be a genetic link to the suicide. People who complete suicide or have suicidal thoughts or behavior are more likely to have a family history of suicide.

Risk factors

Despite the attempts of suicide is more common in women, men are more likely than women to complete suicide, as they tend to use more lethal methods, such as a firearm.

You may be at risk of suicide if you:

Attempted suicide before
They feel hopeless, worthless, anxious, socially isolated or lonely
The experience of a stressful life event, such as the loss of a loved one, military service, a breakup, or a financial or legal problems
Have a problem of substance abuse — alcohol and drug abuse can worsen suicidal thoughts and make you feel reckless or impulsive enough to act on your thoughts
I have suicidal thoughts and having access to firearms in your home
On the base of the psychiatric disorders, such as major depression, post-traumatic stress disorder or bipolar disorder
Have a family history of mental disorders, substance abuse, suicide, violence, including physical or sexual abuse
Have a medical condition that can be associated with depression and suicidal thoughts, such as chronic illness, chronic pain or terminal illness
Are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, with a little help from the family or in a hostile environment

Children and adolescents

Suicide in children and adolescents can follow the stressful events of life. What a young person sees as a serious and insurmountable it may seem minor to an adult, such as problems at school, or the loss of a friendship. In some cases, a child or adolescent may feel suicidal due to certain life circumstances that he or she doesn't want to talk, such as:

Having a psychiatric disorder, such as depression
The loss or conflict with close friends or family members
History of physical or sexual abuse
Problems with alcohol or drugs
Physical or medical problems, for example, to get pregnant or have a sexually transmitted infection
Being a victim of bullying
Doubt his sexual orientation
Reading or hearing an account of suicide or get to know a classmate who died by suicide

If you have concerns about a friend or family member, asking about the thoughts and intentions is the best way of identifying the risk.

Murder and suicide

In rare cases, people who are suicidal are at risk of killing others and themselves. Known as a murder-suicide or a murder-suicide, some risk factors include:

History of conflict with a spouse or romantic partner
The current family legal or financial problems
History of mental health problems, particularly depression
Abuse of Alcohol or drugs
Having access to a firearm

From antidepressants and increased risk of suicide

Most antidepressants are generally safe, but the Food and Drug Administration requires that all antidepressants carry black box warnings, the strictest warnings for prescriptions. In some cases, children, teenagers, and young adults under 25 may have an increase in suicidal thoughts or behavior when taking antidepressants, especially in the first few weeks after starting or when the dose is changed.

However, keep in mind that antidepressants are more likely to reduce suicide risk in the long run by improving mood.

Complications

Thoughts of suicide and suicide attempts take an emotional toll. For example, it can be consumed by thoughts of suicide that may not work in your daily life. And while many suicide attempts are impulsive acts during a time of crisis, it can leave you with severe, permanent or serious injury, such as organ failure or brain damage.

For those who were left behind after a suicide — people known as the survivors of suicide — the sadness, the anger, depression and guilt are common.

Prevention

To help keep yourself out of the feeling of suicide:

Get the treatment you need. If you do not treat the underlying cause, your thoughts of suicide are likely to return. You may feel embarrassed to seek treatment for mental health problems, but also to get the right treatment for depression, substance abuse, or another underlying problem is going to make you feel better about life, and help to keep you safe.
Establish your support network. It can be difficult to talk about suicidal feelings, and their friends and family may not understand why you feel the way you do. Range anyway, and make sure that the people who care about you know what is happening and are there when you need them. You may also want to get help from your place of worship, support groups, or other community resources. You feel connected and supported, they can help reduce the risk of suicide.
Remember, suicidal feelings are temporary. If you feel hopeless or that life is not worth living, remember that treatment can help you regain your perspective — and your life will be better. Take it one step at a time and not act impulsively.

Diagnosis

Your doctor can perform a physical examination, testing and questioning about your physical and mental health to help determine what may be the cause of suicidal thinking and to determine the best treatment.

Assessments may include:

Mental health conditions. In most cases, the suicidal thoughts are linked to an underlying mental health problem that can be treated. If this is the case, you need to see a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness (psychiatrist), or other mental health provider.
Physical health conditions. In some cases, thoughts of suicide may be linked to an underlying physical health problem. You may need blood tests and other tests to determine if this is the case.
The Alcohol and drug abuse. For many people, alcohol or drugs play a role in the thought of suicide, and completed suicide. Your doctor will want to know if you have any problem with alcohol or drug use, such as binge eating or being unable to reduce or stop using alcohol or drugs on their own. Many people who are feeling suicidal to need treatment to help you stop using alcohol or drugs, to reduce your feelings of suicide.
Drugs. In some people, certain prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications can lead to feelings of suicide. Tell your doctor about the medications you take to see if they could be linked to their suicidal thinking.

Children and adolescents

Children who are feeling suicidal usually need to see a psychiatrist or psychologist with experience in the diagnosis and treatment of children with mental health problems. In addition to the patient discussion, the doctor will want to get an accurate picture of what is happening from a variety of sources, such as parents or guardians, other persons close to the child or teen, school reports, and previous medical or psychiatric evaluations.

Treatment

Treatment of suicidal thoughts and behavior depends on your specific situation, including their level of risk of suicide and what underlying issues may be the cause of suicidal thoughts or behavior.

Emergency

If you have tried to commit suicide and is injured:

Call 911 or the local emergency number.
Ask someone to call if you are not alone.

If you are not injured, but you are at immediate risk of harm to self:

Call 911 or the local emergency number.
To call a number of the direct line of suicide. In the united states, call or text 988 to reach the988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or chat using988lifeline.org/chat/.U.S. Veterans or service members can call 988, and then press 1, or text 838255, or chat usingveteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/chat/.The the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the united states has a Spanish language phone line at1-888-628-9454.
In the united states, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline , chat, or the use of 988lifeline.org/chat/ .
United states Veterans or service members can call 988, and then press 1, or text 838255, or chat on the use of veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/chat/ .
The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the united states has a Spanish language of the phone line in 1-888-628-9454 .
In the united states, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline , chat, or the use of 988lifeline.org/chat/ .
United states Veterans or service members can call 988, and then press 1, or text 838255, or chat on the use of veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/chat/ .
The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the united states has a Spanish language of the phone line in 1-888-628-9454 .

In the emergency room, you will be treated for injuries. The doctor will ask you questions and you can browse, looking for recent or in the past, signs of a suicide attempt. Depending on your account status, you may need medication to calm you or to relieve the symptoms of an underlying mental illness, such as depression.

Your doctor may want you to stay in the hospital long enough to make sure that the treatments are working, you will be safe when you leave and you're going to get the treatment you need.

Emergency situations

If you have thoughts of suicide, but they are not in a crisis situation, you may need to outpatient treatment. This treatment can include:

Psychotherapy. In psychotherapy, also called psychological counseling or talk therapy, which explores the problems that make you feel suicidal and learn skills to help manage emotions more effectively. You and your therapist can work together to develop a treatment plan and goals.
Drugs. Antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, and other drugs for mental illness can help reduce symptoms, which can help you feel less suicidal.
The treatment of the addiction. The treatment for addiction to drugs or alcohol can include detoxification, addiction treatment programs and self-help group meetings.
Family support and education. Your loved ones can be both a source of support and conflict. The participation of children in the treatment can help to understand what is happening, to give them better coping skills, and improve the communication between the family and relationships.

Help a loved one

If you have a loved one who has attempted suicide, or if you think that your loved one may be in danger of doing so, seek emergency help. Do not leave the person alone.

If you have a loved one that you think may be considering suicide, to have an open and honest discussion about your concerns. You may not be able to force someone to seek professional care, but you can offer encouragement and support. You can also help your loved one find a qualified doctor or mental health provider and make an appointment. You can even offer to go along.

Supporting a loved one who is chronically suicidal can be stressful and tiring. You may be afraid and feel guilty and powerless. Take advantage of the resources on suicide and suicide prevention, so that you have the information and the tools to take action when necessary. Also, take care of yourself by getting support from family, friends, organizations and professionals.

Lifestyle and home remedies

There is No substitute for the assistance of a professional when it comes to treatment of the ideation and suicide prevention. However, there are some things that can reduce the risk of suicide:

Avoid drugs and alcohol. Alcohol and recreational drugs can cause suicidal thoughts. It can also make you feel less inhibited, which means that it is more likely to act on their thoughts.
A strong support network. That can include family, friends or members of your church, synagogue or other place of worship. Religious practice has been shown to help reduce the risk of suicide.
Stay active. Physical activity and exercise have been shown to reduce the symptoms of depression. Consider walking, jogging, swimming, working in the garden or take another type of physical activity that you enjoy.

Coping and support

Don't try to handle suicidal thoughts or behaviors in their own. You need professional help and support to overcome the problems associated with suicidal thinking. In addition:

Go to your appointments. Don't skip therapy sessions or doctor appointments, even if you do not want to go or don't feel like you need to.
Take medications as directed. Even if you feel well, do not stop taking your medication. If you stop, their suicidal feelings may come back. You may also experience symptoms of withdrawal abruptly stopping an antidepressant or other medication.
Learn about your condition. Learning about your condition can empower and motivate you to stick to your treatment plan. If you have depression, for example, to learn about its causes and treatments.
Pay attention to the warning signs. Work with your doctor or therapist to learn what might trigger feelings of suicide. Learn to spot the danger signals in the first, and decide what steps to take ahead of time. Contact your doctor or therapist if you notice any change in how you feel. Consider the possibility that family members or friends in watching for warning signs.
Make a plan for what to do if the suicidal thoughts of return. You may want to make a written agreement with a provider of mental health or a loved one to help you anticipate the appropriate measures to take when you don't have the best opinion. Clearly stating your intention to suicide with his therapist, allows you to anticipate and address the same.
Remove potential means of suicide. If you think you might act on suicidal thoughts, immediately get rid of any potential means of killing you, such as guns, knives or dangerous drugs. If you take any medicines that have the potential for overdose, a family member or friend, give him his medications as prescribed.
Seek the help of a support group. A number of organizations that are available to help you cope with suicidal thoughts and recognize that there are many options in your life that is not suicide.

Preparing for your appointment

When you call your primary care doctor to set up an appointment, you may be referred immediately to a psychiatrist. If you are in danger of killing you, your doctor can obtain emergency assistance in the hospital.

What you can do

Take these steps before your appointment:

Make a list of the personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes.
Make a list of all the medicines, vitamins, and other supplements that you are taking and the dose. Be honest with your doctor about your alcohol and drug use.
Ask a family member or friend to the appointment, if possible, someone who accompanies you may remember something that you missed or forgot.
Make a list of questions to ask your doctor.

Some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

Could my suicidal thoughts to be linked to an underlying mental or physical health problem?
I need no proof of possible underlying conditions?
I need immediate treatment of some kind? What will that involve?
What are the alternatives to the solution that you are suggesting?
I have these other mental or physical health problems. How can I best manage them together?
Is there anything I can do to stay safe and feel better?
Should I see a psychiatrist?
Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing me?
Are there brochures or other printed material I can have? What sites do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask additional questions.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor may ask you a series of questions, such as:

When did you first start to have suicidal thoughts?
Have suicidal thoughts been continuous or occasional?
Have you ever tried to take his own life?
Do you have a plan to kill yourself?
If you have a plan, what is a specific method, place, or time?
Have you made any preparations, such as the collection of pills or write suicide notes?
Do you feel like you can control your impulses when you feel like killing or hurting yourself?
Do you have friends or family members you can talk to or go to for help?
Do you drink alcohol, and if so, how much and with what frequency?
What medications do you take?
Do you use recreational drugs?
What, if anything, helps you to deal with your suicidal thoughts?
What, if anything, appears to worsen your suicidal thoughts?
What are your feelings on the future? Do you have any hope that things will improve?

Prepare and anticipate questions will help you make the most of your time with the doctor.

What you can do in the meantime

If you have scheduled an appointment and you can't see your doctor right away, make sure you stay safe. Please contact with family, friends, or other people you trust to help you. If you feel you are in danger of hurting yourself or attempt suicide, call 911 or seek emergency assistance immediately.

Symptoms and treatment of Suicide and suicidal thoughts