Understanding depression and suicide risk

From the book – Chapter 9: Depression and Low Mood

Depression and suicide risk

Depression is a major risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviour, though not everyone with depression becomes suicidal.

Warning signs may include:

• Talking about wanting to die, feeling like a burden, or having no reason to live.

• Looking for ways to kill oneself (searching online, obtaining means).

• Withdrawing from family and friends.

• Giving away possessions or saying goodbye.

• Extreme mood swings, agitation, or reckless behaviour.

• Increased substance use.

If someone shows these signs, especially with a plan or intent, it is a medical emergency. They should not be left alone. Seek urgent help from emergency services, a hospital, or a mental-health professional.

Read the full chapter – Chapter 9: Depression and Low Mood

Stories from real life

• Grey Weeks – Kavya, sixteen, used to dance in her room and chat for hours with her cousin in Chennai. Over the last two months she stopped answering calls,…
• The Quiet Farmer – Ramesh, fifty-one, farms three acres near Nagpur. After two poor harvests and a loan he cannot repay, he has become silent and short-tempered. He no longer…
• After the Baby – Fatima gave birth to a healthy girl six weeks ago in Dubai, far from her mother in Karachi. Everyone says she should be happy. Instead she…
• Grandfather Stops Reading – Joseph, seventy-three, lives with his son's family in Kochi. Since his wife died last year and his knees stopped him from his daily walk, he has…

More on this topic: Depression and low mood – signs, causes and the way back

More questions

• Understanding diagnosis and assessment – depression
• How is depression treated?
• Psychotherapy in the treatment of depression
• Medicines in the treatment of depression
• Lifestyle and self-help — support professional treatment in the treatment of depression
• Common myths about depression
• Understanding the thinking patterns of depression
• What you can do for yourself?
• Depression in men, women, and young people – what to know about depression
• Is it true that depression is just sadness; snap out of it?
• Is it sadness or depression? The signs to look for
• What can I do for myself when I feel low?