Do you think of suicide?
Unfortunately it is not uncommon for people suffering from depression to think about taking their own lives. The purpose of this section is to help you understand that these negative feelings are the result of an illness. You can get well again, so there's no reason to let these feelings destroy your life. There are many different people who are willing and able to help you. We strongly urge you to seek help.
- Do you see the negative side of everything?
- Does your life often seem meaningless or empty?
- Does everything sometimes seem hopeless?
Don't be afraid to ask for help!
If you're suffering from depression and thinking of suicide, you must seek professional help:
- Call your family physician or the doctor on call
- Call your psychiatrist
- Call 911
- Contact one of the mental help associations
Will it help?
If you think of suicide a lot, you may find it a relief to be briefly admitted to a psychiatric unit. Here you'll find people who will look after you, care for you and give you the right treatment.
Once your depression lifts, you may see everything differently. Your thoughts of suicide may disappear altogether and you'll be amazed that you could ever have thought such things.
If your thoughts turn to suicide only occasionally, we would advise you to talk to your doctor or psychiatrist about these thoughts.
Remember that there are many different people who are only too happy to help.
What to do?
- People rarely commit suicide in company - if you are at risk, be with someone
- If you are alone use the phone
- Alcohol and illegal drugs feed the thoughts
- Remove anything in the house that could make suicide easy
Remember:
- The depression will pass and you will wonder how the depression got such a grip on you
- Over time you will get your old strength back where it will be impossible for suicidal thoughts to make a comeback. But this takes time and you need to hang around to get to this point in recovery.
- Help is available, call a friend, a doctor or the emergency department
- Your life is worthwhile
Click here for the nearest Mental Health Association
The information above has partially been written by Dr. Simon Bridge - www.kirinaran.com