Source: # 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](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/chapter/9/) ## Stories from real life - [Grey Weeks](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/story/grey-weeks-33/) – 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](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/story/the-quiet-farmer-34/) – 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](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/story/after-the-baby-35/) – 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](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/story/grandfather-stops-reading-36/) – 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](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/topic/depression/) ## More questions - [Understanding diagnosis and assessment – depression](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/answers/understanding-diagnosis-and-assessment-depression/) - [How is depression treated?](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/answers/how-is-depression-treated/) - [Psychotherapy in the treatment of depression](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/answers/psychotherapy-in-the-treatment-of-depression/) - [Medicines in the treatment of depression](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/answers/medicines-in-the-treatment-of-depression/) - [Lifestyle and self-help — support professional treatment in the treatment of depression](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/answers/lifestyle-and-self-help-support-professional-treatment-in-the-treatment-of-depre/) - [Common myths about depression](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/answers/common-myths-about-depression/) - [Understanding the thinking patterns of depression](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/answers/understanding-the-thinking-patterns-of-depression/) - [What you can do for yourself?](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/answers/what-you-can-do-for-yourself/) - [Depression in men, women, and young people – what to know about depression](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/answers/depression-in-men-women-and-young-people-what-to-know-about-depression/) - [Is it true that depression is just sadness; snap out of it?](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/answers/is-it-true-depression-is-just-sadness-snap-out-of-it/) - [Is it sadness or depression? The signs to look for](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/answers/sadness-or-depression/) - [What can I do for myself when I feel low?](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/answers/what-to-do-when-feeling-low/) [myadvisorfriend@gmail.com](mailto:myadvisorfriend@gmail.com) · [Contact](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/contact/) · [About](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/about/) · [Privacy](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/privacy/) · [Disclaimer](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/disclaimer/) --- *Psychology for Everyone – A Mental Well Being Series* by Satish Zope · free to read · Contact: [myadvisorfriend@gmail.com](mailto:myadvisorfriend@gmail.com) · [About](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/about/) · [Privacy](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/privacy/) · [Disclaimer](https://psychologyforeveryone.com/disclaimer/)