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Depression and Suicide

Table of Contents


Overview

Depression is a mental health condition that makes you feel sad, lose interest in things you used to enjoy, and withdraw from others. It's more than normal sadness, grief, or low energy. Treatment can help you enjoy life again.

What is the connection between depression and suicide?

People who have depression may feel so bad that they think about suicide. They may feel hopeless, helpless, and worthless. They may see suicide as a way to solve their problems or end their pain.

Other symptoms of depression, besides suicidal behavior, include:

Take any mention of suicide seriously. If someone talks about suicide, self-harm, or feeling hopeless, get help right away.

What puts a person at risk for suicide?

Things that may put a person at risk of suicide include their personal history and stressful life events.

People may be at higher risk of suicide if they:

Life changes that may increase suicide risk include:

What are the warning signs to watch for?

Warning signs of suicide in adults include:

Where to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

If you or someone you know talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away. You can:

Consider saving these numbers in your phone.

Go to 988lifeline.org for more information or to chat online.


Credits for Depression and Suicide

Current as of: June 24, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.


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