Information presented in this article may be triggering to some people.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
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For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
However, any thoughts of suicide should be taken seriously.
Anyone who experiences these thoughts should be evaluated by a mental health professional to ensure safety.
It is possible for someone with suicidal obsessions related to OCD to also become suicidal and want to die.
The information in this article should not replace professional mental health evaluation or treatment.
In these cases, there is no thought of wanting to die.
Self-injuryis considered a maladaptive coping response to emotional distress or numbness.
This behavior often begins in adolescence.
Although manyteenswho try self-injury do not continue to engage in the behavior, some continue it into adulthood.
Self-injury may be associated withpersonality disorders, anxiety and/ordepression.
Suicidal Obsessions Related to OCD
Suicidal obsessions can be associated with harm OCD or suicidal OCD.
Many are morally opposed to suicide.
However, for those who perform mental acts to neutralize the suicidal thoughts, ERP is effective.
Thoughts Related to Depression
Suicidal thoughts are one of the many symptoms of depression.
However, not everyone who experiences depression will have suicidal thoughts or want to die.
There are different schools of thought about why this happens.
In either case, both the OCD and depression need to be treated.
Treatment Options
Antidepressants are often used to treat OCD, as well as depression.
For those who have both disorders, a combination of medications may be needed.
Cognitive behavioral therapy(CBT) is effective in treating both disorders, as ismindfulness.
Speak with a trained mental health professional immediately if you have anysuicidal thoughts.
Even those with suicidal obsessions may become suicidal without treatment.
American Association of Suicidology Suicide Prevention is Everyone’s Business.Suicide Fact Sheets.
Definition of Non-Suicidal Self-Injury.ISSS.
Facts and Figures.American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Suicide in the U.S.: Statistics and Prevention.NIMH RSS.
