Understanding Depression and Suicide Risk
Understanding Depression and Suicide Risk | If you experience persistent feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and helplessness, you're not alone.
Millions of people in the United States live with depression. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, over 17 million adults experienced a major depressive episode in the past year.
While many manage daily life with depression, one symptom requires immediate attention: suicidal ideation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States.
Major depression is a significant risk factor for suicide, though not everyone with depression has suicidal thoughts. If you’re experiencing depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts, it’s crucial to seek help. With appropriate interventions, depression is treatable, and suicide is preventable.
Immediate Steps if Suicidal Thoughts Arise
Call a Crisis Hotline: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.
Text for Help: Text HOME to the Crisis Textline at 741741.
Reach Out: Contact a trusted friend, family member, or healthcare professional. If immediate danger is present, call 911 or your local emergency number.
What is Suicidal Depression?
"Suicidal depression" isn’t a clinical term. Instead, mental health professionals refer to it as “depression with suicidal thoughts.” Clinical depression, or major depressive disorder (MDD), can be linked to brain structure, brain chemistry, hormones, or genetics. Suicidal thoughts can occur as part of this disorder, though most people with depression do not die by suicide.
Symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder
- Lack of interest in usual activities
- Changes in sleep and appetite
- Feelings of hopelessness and sadness
- Restlessness
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Recognizing Suicidal Thoughts
Suicidal thoughts can occur with other mental health conditions like anxiety, PTSD, or substance use disorders. It’s important to notice changes in behavior, thoughts, or mood and to ask directly about suicidal thoughts if significant stressors are present.
Getting Support
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, support is available:
- Crisis Hotline: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration National Helpline at 800-662-4357.
- Text for Help: Text HOME to the Crisis Textline at 741741.
- LGBTQIA+ Support: The Trevor Project at 866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678.
- Immediate Risk: Contact a trusted person or call 911 or your local emergency number.
Signs of Suicide
- Statements about feeling helpless, hopeless, and worthless
- Major mood changes
- Talking about wanting to die
- Withdrawal from social interactions
- Writing about death
- Giving away personal items
- Excessive alcohol or drug use
- Aggressive behavior
- Acquiring weapons or pills
- Saying goodbye to loved ones
- Increased anxiety or agitation
Assisting Someone Considering Suicide
- Safety Planning: Help them list supportive contacts and crisis hotlines.
- Direct Question: Ask, “Are you considering suicide?” and listen without judgment.
- Immediate Action: If immediate danger is present, do not leave them alone. Remove harmful objects and stay with them until help arrives.
Passive Suicide Ideation
Passive suicide refers to non-specific thoughts of wanting to die. All suicidal thoughts are indicators of distress and require attention.
Risk Factors for Suicidal Depression
- Family history of suicide
- Substance misuse
- Mood disorders
- Chronic illness
- Previous suicide attempts
- Significant losses or stressors
- History of trauma or family violence
- Age (15-24 or over 60)
Treating Suicidal Depression
Treatment varies based on severity and individual factors. Evidence-based therapies like dialectic behavioral therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy can help. Medications such as SSRIs, TCAs, and SNRIs are commonly used. Always communicate suicidal thoughts to a mental health provider for optimal treatment planning.
Preventing Suicidal Depression
Early detection and treatment are crucial. Seeking support for suicidal thoughts, even outside clinical depression, is essential. Open communication and immediate intervention can make a significant difference.
Outlook for Suicidal Depression
With the right treatment, the outlook for those with depression and suicidal ideation is positive. If symptoms worsen, in-patient treatment may be necessary. Suicide behavior disorder is under study to enhance suicide risk assessment beyond MDD.
The Takeaway
Depression with suicidal ideation should not be managed alone. If experiencing suicidal thoughts, seek professional help immediately. For support, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or reach out to a trusted person or emergency services.
