Causes and risk factors
Suicidal thoughts arise when one can’t cope with the life situations he is facing. The person feels that there is no way out and suicide is the only solution. Risk factor for suicidal tendencies is a positive family history of suicide. Mental disorders are the predisposing factors for committing suicide. Mental disease like depression, despair, schizophrenia have high risk of developing the thought of suicide. One can commit suicideOut of stress. Some socio economic factors like poverty, unemployment, uncleared debts etc. also cause thoughts of suicide. Predisposing factors for suicide include alcohol, smoking, drug abuse, addictions, socioeconomic factors, environmental factors, relationship blues etc.
Clinical presentation
The patient shows signs of depression and despair. Despair can be out of chronic illness or incurable disease, long bed ridden patients. Symptoms include talking about suicidal thoughts, saying “wish I was dead” or “I want to finish myself”, finding ways to commit suicide such as gun, sleeping pills, and increased alcohol consumption. The person has mood swings – happy and enthusiastic one day while depressed the other day, lack of social contact, withdrawal from friends and society, change in normal routine, increased or altered sleep patterns. Some people start giving away their belongings, say good bye as if they won’t be seeing him again, are typical features of suicidal tendencies.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and psychological evaluation by the psychiatrist or psychotherapist helps in diagnosis.
Treatment
Drugs are used to treat other mental illnesses that may be present. Deaddiction or detoxification in case of drug abuse is needed. Main treatment consists of Psychotherapy and counseling which involves cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches anger management techniques, relaxation techniques to combat the problem. Methods to cope up with life situations are taught. Individual and family therapy, social involvement, spending quality time with family members will also help in managing the patient with suicidal thoughts.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating suicidal thoughts. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly the ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates are also found to be effective in treating suicidal thoughts.
