If you or someone you know suffers from depression or manic depression, you understand all too well its symptoms may include feelings of hopelessness and thoughts of suicide. Whether we are experiencing suicidal thoughts ourselves or know a severely depressed person who is, there are ways that we can respond with strength and courage.
Suicide can be and often is prevented with the right kind of care, treatment and support.
Depressive disorders are medical conditions associated with fluctuations in the chemistry of the body and brain. Depression and the depressive phase of bipolar disorder may cause symptoms such as intense sadness, hopelessness, lethargy, loss of appetite, disruption of sleep, decreased ability to perform ones usual tasks, loss of interest in once-pleasurable activities and persistent thoughts of death or suicide. Clinical depression and bipolar disorder are treatable with medication, changes in lifestyle, and psychotherapy. With proper treatment, there can be dramatic improvement of all symptoms, including suicidal thoughts. Without treatment, these illnesses interfere with a person's ability to relate with others and can often be life-threatening.