Suicide is a serious complication of depression. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) states that 90 percent of people who have died from suicide have depression or another mental disorder, like bipolar disorder. In 2006, 10.9 people out of 100,000 people in America committed suicide. Suicide can be prevented by treating the underlying cause or using an emergency service, like a suicide hotline.
Medication
One solution for depression and suicide is medication, which can alleviate symptoms. However, medication will not treat the cause of the depression. The Mayo Clinic states that antidepressants are often used, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), like fluoxetine, as a common first choice. Other first-choice antidepressants are serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), like venlafaxine; norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs), like bupropion; and tetracyclic antidepressants, like mirtazapine.
The next choice for antidepressants are tricyclic antidepressants, like imipramine. Tricyclic antidepressants have more side effects than SSRIs, and are given when first-choice antidepressants do not work. The last choice for antidepressants are monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), like selegiline. MAOIs lead to harmful reactions to tyramine-rich foods, like chocolate and salami, and are not prescribed often. The NIMH adds that clozapine, a medication for schizophrenia, can also help with suicide prevention.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is another solution for depression and suicide, as it works to find the root of the negative thoughts and behavior. In one type of psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, the therapist helps the patient to discover the cause of her depression or suicidal thoughts, and works with her to change them to positive coping mechanisms. The NIMH states that cognitive behavioral therapy reduces repeated suicidal attempts by 50 percent. The Mayo Clinic adds that cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most common talk therapies for depression.
Emergency Help
If the suicidal patient is at high risk and is a danger to himself, emergency help should be sought. This includes calling 911 or taking the patient to the emergency room, according to the NIMH. The patient should not be left by himself. The patient can also call a suicide hotline, like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255).
