Each person’s depression is unlike every other person. By way of illustration, psychiatrists and psychotherapists often categorize depression as either mild, moderate, or severe. Depression in the moderate or severe categories may lead to thoughts of self-harm, suicide attempts, or suicidal thoughts.
A person may find themselves dealing with suicidal thoughts due to several things:
- A mental illness, such as depression
- An underlying physical condition, such as one causing chronic pain or one causing hopelessness
- Alcohol or drug abuse, and
- Medications whose side effects may cause suicidal thoughts in some patients.
Developing a Treatment Plan for Depression and Suicidal Thoughts
In the case of depression and suicidal thoughts, a physician specializing in mental illness can help diagnose and treat the underlying mental health condition. Such care is usually provided by a psychiatrist or other mental health provider, such as a psychotherapist. The professionals become the person’s depression support guide.
In a case where a physical condition causes suicidal thoughts, a medical provider may be able to diagnose the problem with blood tests and other lab tests to identify the problem. The medical provider will then develop a treatment plan addressing the underlying physical condition.
When it comes to substance abuse, the physician will investigate whether patients have increased their drug use, had trouble stopping drug use on their own, or have engaged in binge drinking or binge drug abuse. After conducting a full physical examination – and after receiving the patient’s substance abuse history – the physician will develop a treatment plan to reduce the substance abuse safely and to help the person dealing with suicidal thoughts.
Many consumers have come to trust that over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are safe simply because they do not require a prescription to purchase them. This is a dangerous line of thought. It is important to understand that both prescription drugs and OTC medicines may cause side effects that include suicidal thoughts in some people and at some dosage levels. That is why it is crucial to provide the treating physician with an accurate list of all the drugs ingested so the physician can determine whether one or more of the drugs causes the suicidal thoughts.
Options: Inpatient or Outpatient Treatment
Emergencies involving suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts require diagnosis and treatment while hospitalized. The psychiatrist or mental health provider will order inpatient observation and treatment until they are assured that the person’s condition is under control and the person will stay safe when living outside the constraints provided by the hospital.
Physicians may determine that non-emergency cases of depression and suicidal thoughts may be treated on an outpatient basis. Outpatient treatment means:
- Psychotherapy – This treatment option consists of psychological counseling (also popularly known as talk therapy). Psychotherapy helps identify the issues that cause depression and suicidal thoughts. Therapy provides the skills to help patients cope with spikes in emotions and manage their symptoms effectively. Patients and therapists work together to develop a compassionate mental health treatment plan and work together to achieve their desired long-term results.
- Medications – Mental health symptoms may be controlled by several types of medications, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, anti-anxiety medications, and others that can help patients dealing with suicidal thoughts.
- Treatment for substance abuse addiction – Substance abuse treatment includes group therapy sessions, addiction treatments, and detoxification treatments. The mental health provider will determine the best treatment for each patient.
- Family support and education – Sometimes, family relationships form part of a patient’s problem. The treatment plan may benefit from including family members in the safe, compassionate mental health help sessions. In this way, family members and patients learn coping skills and better familial communication skills, leading to improved family relationships and better mental health.
Suicide Prevention Tactics to Use at Home
While professional interventions are critical to preventing suicidal actions, helpful things an individual and their family members can do at home include:
- Avoid substance abuse in all its forms. This recommendation means the elimination of binge drinking, prescription/OTC medication overuse, and the use of recreational drugs. Use of recreational drugs and alcohol can relax the mind’s natural reserves against harmful acts, leading to suicidal activity.
- Develop strong social networks. Whether that means connecting more often with family members, reconnecting with friends, or joining faith communities, they are all equally important. Religious sacred traditions, with their prohibitions against suicide, and networking within faith communities, help reduce the risk of suicide.
- Stay physically active. Keep those endorphins flowing throughout the brain and nervous system. Endorphins are the body’s natural pain relievers, mood elevators, and they prompt feelings of happiness and well-being. Whether the preferred activity is swimming, jogging, walking, or working outside in the garden, physical activity is good for the body, mind, and soul.
Moderation in all things is critical to success in mental health endeavors, including maintaining moderate habits for sleeping, eating, exercising, and relaxing.
Coping with Suicidal Thoughts
Coping with suicidal thoughts requires professional help to develop the skills necessary to control the problems that lead to suicidal thinking. The following are some of the self-help suggestions everyone can do as they work toward their long-term goals:
- Do not skip therapy sessions. Go to all mental health appointments, even if you have no desire to go or do not feel the need to go. Therapy sessions can plant the seeds of overcoming hopelessness.
- Take all medications as the medical professional directed. Do not take more than the prescribed dosage. Do not skip doses. Skipping doses may bring suicidal thoughts back stronger than ever. Even worse, skipping doses may result in withdrawal symptoms, especially when taking antidepressants and antipsychotic medications.
- Arm thyself with knowledge. Learn more about hope in the mental illness from which you suffer. Learn about the causes of depression and the available treatments. Learn the latest techniques and suggestions for how to take care of your mental health. Knowledge imparts seeds to overcoming hopelessness.
- Collaborate with the therapist to identify warning signs that bring about suicidal feelings. Teach family members and friends to watch for warning signs, too. Know what to do if warning signs alert you or others to problems.
- Devise a plan with the mental health provider so you, your friends, and family members know what steps to take if suicidal thoughts return.
- Reduce potential lethal weapons in your environment, such as knives, firearms, and medications that might become lethal in the event of suicidal thoughts.
- Join a support group for those with depression and suicidal thoughts. The more experienced group members will help show there is hope for mental illness and for life rather than suicide.
Therapy Helps Move You Forward
Each person must choose the best therapist and the best type of therapy for themselves. Refinery Counseling Services, LLC, strives to empower everyone as they move forward in their mental health journey. We accomplish that positive development through compassionate care and by focusing on community engagement. Refinery Counseling Services is the premier private psychotherapy practice in Georgia.
We believe everyone has the power to heal and grow. We commit to supporting an individual’s efforts and to laying out the resources they need to succeed.
Refinery Counseling Services offers a wide variety of mental health sessions. Our therapists strive to design a therapy treatment plan that reflects your mental health needs and your long-term goals. Our therapists provide the following therapy options:
- Individual psychotherapy
- Group psychotherapy
- Adolescent mental health treatment
- Family therapy
- Couples therapy
You and your therapist will decide together whether individual or group psychotherapy is appropriate for you. Group therapy consists of a small number of individuals who come together to share their experiences and foster connections, improve their understanding of their mental health issues, and promote healing. Group therapy occurs under the guidance of a licensed therapist who provides a safe, non-judgmental environment that encourages sharing and healing.
For more information on choosing a therapist, please read our April 4, 2025, article entitled “Choosing the Right Therapist for You: A Step-by-Step Guide.”
Commit to Improving Your Mental Health Today
If you, a loved one, or a friend suffers from depression and suicidal thoughts, we urge you to contact us today. It is easy to reach us. You can phone, email, or simply fill out and submit the form on our website.
You can schedule a consultation during regular business hours with one of our experienced therapists to assess your mental health situation. Your therapist will review your background, your specific mental health needs, and your goals to determine the best therapy treatment plan for you.
Your mental health and well-being are of primary importance to our therapists. We stand ready to help you grow and heal. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Additional Information
Getting help early for mental illness can make a substantial difference in outcomes. If you would like to read more about this topic, we invite you to read our January 20, 2025, article entitled “How to Recognize Mental Health Symptoms Early — And What to Do Next .”
