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How to Recognize Early Signs of Suicidal Thoughts: Professional Support Can Make a Difference
The world has never been a more challenging place, as witnessed by all-time highs in the number of people who struggle with depression — 29% of Americans report experiencing depression, which is a 10% increase from 2015.
One of our biggest concerns when it comes to depression is suicide. Every 11 minutes in the United States, someone takes their own life, leaving behind devastated family and friends.
Since September is National Suicide Prevention Month, the team of experienced and compassionate primary healthcare providers here at Integrative Health DPC wants to do our part to help patients who may be considering suicide.
In this month’s blog, we take a look at some of the warning flags when it comes to depression and suicide and, more importantly, how we can turn these suicidal thoughts around through treatment.
What is suicidal ideation?
There are terms used to describe thinking about suicide — suicidal ideation, suicidal thoughts, suicidal tendencies. As the name suggests, suicidal ideation is contemplating taking one’s own life.
No two people have the same exact thoughts, but suicidal ideation often includes:
- Thinking that the world doesn't need them
- Imagining one’s own funeral or loss
- Viewing suicide as a way out of despair
- Thinking that their existence is a burden
Over time, these suicidal thoughts can lead to action, and people can start to take steps to plan for their suicide.
The CDC reports that, in 2022, more than 13 million Americans seriously thought about suicide, 3.8 million people made a plan, and 1.6 million attempted suicide. Thankfully, only 49,000 died as a result of suicide during this year, but we feel that even one person is too many.
There is a better way out of your depression
If there’s anything we want you to take away from reading this blog, it’s that there is a way out of your dark and lonely place that doesn’t involve taking your own life. A much better way.
When you have depression and suicidal thoughts, your brain isn’t functioning correctly, and you have a chemical imbalance that’s affecting your moods. In other words, your brain activity keeps you stuck in a world of sadness, hopelessness, guilt, and other negative emotions you may be feeling.
To improve neural activity and mood regulation in the brain, medications can help rebalance the chemicals and neurotransmitters.
For example, we can prescribe selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Serotonin is a neurotransmitter in your brain that regulates mood. SSRIs can keep serotonin circulating in your brain to improve your mood.
These types of antidepressants, alongside psychotherapy and support groups, can change your entire outlook on life and help you break free from your depression and suicidal thoughts.
We also haven’t mentioned other mental health issues that can lead to suicidal thoughts, such as anxiety and bipolar disorder, but we offer effective medications for these conditions, too.
Rest assured, we’re with you every step of the way. Once we determine which treatment is best for your depression and suicidal tendencies, we work quickly to reverse your mood disorder. We also offer telehealth services to stay in close contact, and we’re just a click or phone call away whenever you need help.
We want to leave you with one last thought—the world is a better place with you in it, we promise. To help you realize that for yourself, please schedule an appointment at our office in Zionsville, Indiana.