Is it possible to be suicidal without being depressed

If you are having suicidal thoughts it might mean that you are experiencing depression , but depression is not the only cause of suicidal thoughts. There are many different factors that can increase the chances of a person having suicidal thoughts.

It is rare that one event or thing would cause someone to consider suicide. If you would like to speak to someone about how you are feeling you can find information on support services at the bottom of this article as well as in our services section. If you have suicidal thoughts you may be experiencing depression, but you may also be suffering from another form of mental health issue.

An anxiety disorder , bipolar disorder , schizophrenia , dissociative disorder or PTSD are just some other mental health diagnoses that could cause a person to have suicidal thoughts. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts it is important that you go speak to your GP. They may then organise an assessment of your mental health to determine if you are suffering from a mental health issue.

Experiencing abuse and the emotional impact that can have on a person, can make someone more vulnerable to suicide. People who have experienced abuse can often feel shame, isolated or worthless because of what has happened to them and these feelings can lead to suicidal thoughts.

If you think you are feeling suicidal because of abuse that you have or are experiencing there are supports available to help. You do not need to feel alone. Seeing a counsellor can help you work through your feelings and there are supports available to you that can help stop the abuse.

Experiencing a loss is another factor that can cause someone to feel suicidal or have suicidal thoughts. The loss can be that of someone close to them who has died, the break down of a relationship, or the loss of a job or opportunity that leaves a person feeling worthless.

If you have experienced a loss and have been having suicidal thoughts because of that, it is important to remember that regardless of the loss you are experiencing things can improve.

When experiencing loss, grief or disappointment it can often seem as though the feelings are permanent, but with help they will get better in time.

Behavioral Clues Talking or joking about suicide. Giving away prized possessions. High risk behavior such as jumping from high places, running into traffic, self-injurious behaviors cutting, burning.

Previous suicidal thoughts or attempts. Believe a person goes to a better place after dying or can come alive after dying. Are impulsive act without realizing the consequences of their actions. Have no or little sense of fear or danger. Tend to have perfectionist tendencies. Truly feel that it would be better for everyone else if they were dead.

Believe that if they could join a loved one who died, they would then be rid of their pain and be at peace. Are hopeless; feeling that things will never get better, that they will never feel better.

May think they will be rescued. Acting out pain because of an inability to verbalize feelings. Increased impulsiveness and impaired judgment, perceptions and cognitive skills. Out-patient psychotherapy: Cognitive Therapy — teaches more positive thinking, coping skills and problem-solving Interpersonal Therapy — might teach children how to make friends Group Therapy — with others of similar age that have a depressive illness Family Therapy — works with the entire family and discusses various family dynamics Various supports at school.

Talk with a school nurse about the options available. Various forms of play therapy, relaxation therapy, biofeedback, visualization. Antidepressant medications, stimulants, also some types of alternative medicine.

Hospitalization in-patient, partial hospitalization, day-treatment. Assure your child they can feel better, that suicidal thoughts are only temporary, and that there are people who can help them. Always take suicidal tendencies seriously and respond immediately.

Know that early intervention is the key to successful treatment for children who suffer from depressive illnesses. Depression in Elderly. It is a myth that depression is part of the aging process. Symptoms Watch for standard symptoms of depression, as well as these symptoms common among the elderly suffering from depression: Complaints of aches and pains back, stomach, arms, legs, head, chest , fatigue, slowed movements and speech, loss of appetite, inability to sleep, weight increase or decrease, blurred vision, dizziness, heart racing, anxiety.

An overall sadness or apathy, withdrawn; unable to find pleasure in anything. Alcoholism can mask an underlying depression. Behaviors Watch for the following behaviors: Talk about suicide, e. Preoccupation with death. Suddenly happier, calmer. Loss of interest in things one cares about. Unusual visiting or calling people one cares about — saying goodbyes. Giving things away. Stockpiling pills or obtaining a weapon. Where to get help: Family physicians, clinics and health maintenance organizations can provide treatment or make referrals to mental health specialists.

Mental health specialists like psychiatrists, psychologists, family therapists and social workers. Psychiatrists can prescribe antidepressant drugs because they are physicians. Other mental health specialists, however, often work with physicians to ensure that their patients receive the medications they need. Did we ever ask him how he was doing, if he was hurting or if he needed someone to listen to him for once?

His life was one-of-a-kind, but unfortunately his story is not. He was the last person I would have expected to do this. The more we can shift the conversation to show positive role models living with depression—those who advocate for the mix of therapy, exercise, medication, sleep, diet—the less shame and stigma will be associated with it.

Let them know that they are heard and are not alone. On the days when your brain seems to be fighting you for your life, remember that you are enough, you are worthy, you are loved and you are not alone. Find activities and pursuits that are meaningful to you and make you feel productive and accomplished. Try your best to be present in these activities. Reach out to someone you trust and consider contacting a therapist.

Let these influential roles in your life help you to create a more positive state of mind. You are not alone. Laura is a writer and non-profit fundraiser who lives in Dallas. Laura loves music and travel, and tries to combine the two whenever possible. Speaking with a professional can be incredibly helpful for depression symptoms, as a professional can help you come up with personalized strategies for coping and tactics for negative thought processes.

If they believe you might benefit from medications or group therapy, they can refer you. Lifeline chat , brought to you by the same people who run the suicide prevention lifeline, provides emotional support and services via web chat.

This is particularly useful if speaking on the phone causes anxiety. Our Facebook community connects people experiencing mental health conditions, giving you a chance to find support as well as tips on condition management. The National Alliance on Mental Health NAMI has a vast list of 25 resources that may help you with several things, including finding treatment, staying informed on specific conditions and research, and getting financial assistance.

When people in the public eye die by suicide, many people are left stunned due to the masks — or smiles — they wore. For example, when actor and comedian Robin Williams committed suicide, many were shocked. Depression, no matter how it presents itself, can be a difficult and draining condition. You can find help. As with any other type of disease or condition, you should seek treatment.

Be ready to listen. I'm a happy mom, wife, and professional. What you don't know is that I struggle with depression, too. For some people, intense grief after the death of a loved one can lead to depression or make underlying depression worse.

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