Dealing with Suicidal People: Diagnosis and Treatment

Trigger warning: suicide, mental illness

Some people think that suicide can end all their problems. If you lose hope for the future, that might translate into suicidal thoughts. Some are passive, and some are more active ones.

Experts consider one passive when you wish you were dead or imagine yourself creating plans to commit suicide. However, if you plan to take your life, experts believe that as active suicide. It isn’t easy to separate the two.

This article may help you if you have anyone devising such plans. You can quickly identify the individual and send the incumbent for therapy. Moreover, you will also come across people who are genetically inclined. Today, the number of suicides has increased manifold, as people are stressed and too impulsive. When you see someone displaying negative tendencies, increased use of drugs and alcohol, or developing sudden personality changes, you should act fast. For that, you must be aware so keep reading further.

Diagnosis

When you seek medical attention, you must conduct specific physical tests. You may also ask the need to answer specific mental and physical health questions. They may try to reach the cause of the seismic center from where the thoughts arose. The various assessments often include but are not limited to the following:

  • Mental health

    Suicide is a mental health issue most of the time. So, you need to get in touch with a therapist or counselor who can help you unearth the underlying causes.

  • Physical health

    Suicidal tendencies may also be linked to an underlying physical issue, decreasing quality of life. Many people also suffer from eating disorders that can act as precursors for suicide. Today, many youngsters are unhappy with their physical bodies and emulating celebrities. Some people start impulsive diets that lead to fatal body conditions and suicidal thoughts. Suppose it’s an eating disorder such as bulimia that leads to this stage. In that case, you must take yourself to a facility to get bulimia treatment. And if it’s some bodily defect, then it’s best to take the help of a counselor. Whatever the reason, it’s essential to take early action.

  • Addiction

    Addictive ingredients like alcohol and drugs often lead to suicidal tendencies. Your doctor or counselor may also ask about such habits. In most cases, if these habits are put under control, suicidal thoughts cease to exist.

  • Medications

    Some over-the-counter drugs also cause suicidal thoughts. Tell your doctor of any medicine that you may be taking. It may be the reason for your mental state of mind.

You will find suicide a common path to seek freedom from life in children. They commit suicide when they cannot get what they want. Children often get upset over marks and minor relationship issues. The main reasons for such conduct are lack of patience and temperamental issues. Therefore, guardians need to watch their children closely if they notice anything even slightly amiss.

Treatment

No medication can alleviate your suicidal thoughts. However, doctors often suggest a remedy to cure the underlying factors that lead to suicidal thoughts. They are depression, stress, and anxiety. Outpatient treatment can help you get over your suicidal tendencies. Read about more modalities here.

  • Psychotherapy

    This is one of the first steps that any psychotherapist or psychologist will suggest. Psychotherapy helps you explore the underlying issues that lead to these thoughts. Additionally, you may see a clearer picture and understand your emotions better after the session. Cognitive behavior therapy is the most talked-about treatment modality in psychotherapy. It has been seen to improve the thought process. Dialectical behavioral therapy has also shown promise in stopping suicidal tendencies in specific individuals.

  • Medications

    Healthcare professionals often prescribe anti-depressants and anti-psychotic medicines to reduce the symptoms of mental illness. However, medication might not reach the root cause.

  • De-addiction

    is also prescribed to specific individuals with suicidal thoughts. Your therapist might recommend you to a rehabilitation center for detox programs.

  • Family Involvement

    Your family is critical when it comes to support. It plays a massive role in averting such prospects. Therefore, you will often find doctors involving the family in treatment modalities.

There are various protective factors that you can bank on to alleviate the tendencies of such people. It has been seen that all those who have good social support, great connections, and a circle of friends have a lower risk profile. Close-knit families also have fewer suicides. Family support, proper education, improved counseling access are the key factors that can help one avert suicidal tendencies in people around them.

If you still come across someone, which may be contemplating suicide, call 911 for help. That is the best thing to do in such a situation.

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