Verywell / Jiaqi Zhou
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.
Verywell / Jiaqi Zhou
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
But depression is not the only risk factor for suicide.
Suicide accounts for about 1.5% of all worldwide deaths.
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If they refuse, be persistent.
Safety Plan
While not exclusive to depression,suicidal thoughtsare common among people with depression.
Be Alert
Know the risk factors and warning signs.
Be particularly concerned if your loved one shows multiple suicide warning signs.
Encourage a loved one with depression to seek help.
Help them locate treatment resources such as a doctor, therapist, or suicide hotline.
Communicate
Don’t discount your loved one’s feelings.
Ask your loved one about suicidal thoughts.
Many people are afraid that bringing up the idea of suicide will raise the likelihood it will occur.
That’s simply not true.
Show Support
Express your love.
Share your feelings with one another.
Your loved one may ask you to keep what they share with you to yourself and not tell anyone.
Use your best judgment, and make your loved one’s health and safety your first priority.
If you fail to recognize that your loved one is considering or considered suicide, do not blame yourself.
Remember that you did the best you could with the information you had.
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.Does depression increase the risk for suicide?
Bradvik L.Suicide risk and mental disorders.Int J Environ Res Public Health.
2018;15(9):2028. doi:10.3390/ijerph15092028
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Suicide rising across the US.
Suicide Prevention Resource Center.A Comprehensive Approach to Suicide Prevention.
2019;125(6):972-979. doi:10.1002/cncr.31876
National Institute of Mental Health.Suicide in America: Frequently Asked Questions.
National Institute of Mental Health.Suicide Prevention.
