[Medical Q&A] How to deal with suicidal tendencies in patients with depression?

Author: Wang Ying, Chief Physician of Tianjin Mental Health Center

Reviewer: Chen Qinggang, Chief Physician, Tianjin Mental Health Center

Among the many manifestations of depression, self-harm and suicide are the most harmful, so when the following signs appear, you need to seek professional help in time, early diagnosis and early treatment to minimize the risk.

How to intervene in the suicide of patients with depression is a serious topic. We can try the following ways to intervene. First, we need to carry out professional and systematic treatment. Many people think that depression is just a psychological problem, or that it is a manifestation of weak will. As long as they talk and "open their hearts", they can "get out of it". This concept may cause serious adverse consequences. Secondly, the key to intervening in the suicide of patients with depression is to judge when the patient is likely to commit suicide. Suicide includes suicidal ideation, suicide attempt and suicide death. It is true that some patients with depression will have such negative ideas, but not everyone will put them into action. Medically, depression is divided into three types: mild, moderate and severe. So, is the risk of suicide the greatest in severe depression? Not necessarily. Suicide in patients with depression may also occur in the stage of deterioration from mild to moderate, or from severe to moderate. This is why the suicide rate of some patients with moderate and severe depression may increase after a period of treatment. Maybe if they persist a little longer, they can break free from the darkness and usher in the light, but they give up. Many patients with depression may have a sense of self-salvation, but suicide often occurs in a moment, and it is difficult to resist the impulse of suicide by will alone. At this time, they must consciously seek external help. During the peak period of suicide, in addition to professional treatment, the company of family and friends is the most important. There is no need to say or do much; silent company is the best treatment.