What is Suicidal Depression?: Signs, Risk Factors, Treatment, Prevention

Feeling depressed is very common feeling nowadays.

National Institute of Mental Health reported over 17 million adults experiencing depressive episodes in 2017.⁽¹⁾ People with depression need help on how to manage their daily life, but if someone is having suicidal thoughts, immediate attention is needed.

Suicide is known to be the 10th leading cause of death in the United States.⁽²⁾ Depression is a major risk factor for suicide, but not everyone with depression has suicidal thoughts.⁽³⁾

But, those getting suicidal thoughts should get help, as depression is treatable and suicide can be prevented.

Suicidal depression is depression with suicidal thoughts.

Clinical depression is a major depressive disorder. Its cause is not much known but is thought to be linked with the combination of factors such as physical brain structure, brain chemistry, hormones, and genetics.⁽⁴⁾

Those with clinical depression think about or plan suicide. These are called suicidal thoughts or suicide ideation. There can be a creation of a detailed plan to have a fleeting consideration.

Signs of depression include:

• Feeling of hopelessness
• Losing interest in usual activities
• Change in appetite
• Changes in sleeping pattern
• Feeling of sadness
• Difficulty in making decisions, thinking, and concentrating

Suicidal thoughts can also crop up because of other mental conditions such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and use of substance disorders.

There are a few common signs that may be seen in someone feeling like committing suicide. They include:

• Changes in moods
• Talking about wanting to die
• Writing about death
• Giving away personal items
• Using excessive drugs and alcohol
• Aggressive behavior
• Withdrawal from friends, family, and social interaction
• Increase in anxious and agitated behavior
• Buying a weapon or saving pills.

Risk factors play a main role in understanding suicidal depression.

If someone is having thoughts of suicide it is important to have open and direct communication with them.

The common risk factors of suicide are:

• Family history of suicide
• Mood disorders such as depression
• Substance misuse
• Chronic illness
• Previous suicide attempt
• History of trauma or family violence
• Significance losses.

• The treatment of suicidal depression depends on the severity and individual factors.
• Depression lessens with treatment and people see a fall in the intensity of suicidal ideation.
• Suicidal ideation can be managed by working up with the individual and making sure that they are safe at these times.
• Certain therapies like cognitive behavior therapy or evidence-based treatment can help with both depressive symptoms and suicide.
• A person needs to let the healthcare provider know that there are thoughts of suicide along with depressive symptoms. He can accordingly plan the treatment.
• There are certain anti-depressive medications that along with therapies can be of great help in getting rid of those thoughts.
• Certain self-care tips can also be helpful, that include:
• Self-care practice such as getting a good night sleep and exercise
• Maintaining healthy nutrition practice
• An open and honest conversation about how a person with suicidal ideation might be experiencing or feeling
• Learning about the signs of depression and suicidal ideation.

Early detection and treatment can help in reducing suicide risk. Adequate mental health treatment can help in reducing suicidal thoughts.

Suicidal thoughts, whether as a part of depression or something else, should be brought to the notice of a healthcare professional. Never hold back on giving all the symptoms to your doctor. It can help in proper diagnosis and treatment.

Depression with suicidal thought cannot be treated on own. You need to talk with your healthcare professional regarding the same.

The outlook of people with depression and suicidal ideation is positive if given the right treatment.

If you have thought of harming yourself and these feelings are new, speak with a healthcare provide for a referral to a mental health professional. He can help you come out of these thoughts and have a happy living.

Also Read:

• Can Chronic Pain Cause Suicidal Thoughts?
• Natural Ways to Cope with Suicidal Thoughts & Feelings – Recovery Steps