Though everyone experiences depression from time to time, the experience of moderate to severe depression and the serious contemplation of suicide are serious mental health issues that require immediate intervention and treatment.
If you believe that your loved one is at risk of taking his or her own life, don’t wait to intervene. Emergency medical help followed by intensive treatment can save the life of your family member.
However, not everyone who is diagnosed with depression will have suicidal thoughts or attempt suicide. Higher risk is associated with depression symptoms that include:
Depression, substance abuse, and suicide risk are all deeply connected in the United States. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reports that about 90 percent of the people who take their own lives in the US are struggling with depression, a substance abuse disorder, or a combination of these issues. According to NIMH, the following are also risk factors for suicide:
According to the American Association of Suicidology, the following is true about the connection between depression and suicide:
When struggling with depression, many patients turn to alcohol, heroin, prescription drugs and other substances in an effort to fill the emptiness and escape the pain that comes with untreated depression. Unfortunately, drug use only serves to increase the symptoms associated with depression, lengthen depression episodes, and create a host of physical and social problems along the way. One of the many problems faced by those who attempt to self-treat their depression through drugs and alcohol is the increased risk of suicide. The best way to handle these overwhelming issues is through Dual Diagnosis treatment.
A Dual Diagnosis treatment program is uniquely able to help patients overcome multiple, serious issues – like depression and substance abuse – increasing the chance that the patient will find balance in life. Contact us at the phone number listed here today and speak to an admissions coordinator who can assist you. We’re here to help.
Integrated Treatment of Substance Abuse & Mental Illness