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How Can Depression And Anxiety In A Man Who Attempted To Commit Suicide Be Treated?
Question: Hi doctor.
My dad is suffering from different types of health problems which led him to extreme depression and anxiety. And today he went to some far away place and tried to cut his hands and legs. He returned home around 7pm and we found cuts on his hands and legs. When questioned he told that he is feeling that he is burden for us all and tried to kill himslef but later realised that he did a big mistake and slapped himself several times and returned back home thinking about our family. He now promised on me saying that he would never do such foolish things and it was a big mistake and he will fight with his health problems untill last breath.
We spoke very softly to him and told not to do such things again.
Can he be trusted? Please suggest some non medicine treatment or natural alternative. He is 57 years old.
My dad is suffering from different types of health problems which led him to extreme depression and anxiety. And today he went to some far away place and tried to cut his hands and legs. He returned home around 7pm and we found cuts on his hands and legs. When questioned he told that he is feeling that he is burden for us all and tried to kill himslef but later realised that he did a big mistake and slapped himself several times and returned back home thinking about our family. He now promised on me saying that he would never do such foolish things and it was a big mistake and he will fight with his health problems untill last breath.
We spoke very softly to him and told not to do such things again.
Can he be trusted? Please suggest some non medicine treatment or natural alternative. He is 57 years old.
Brief Answer:
This attempt can't be ignored.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
He has attempted to kill himself and this suicide (or para-suicide) attempt can't be ignored. He should be given round the clock attention and should not be left alone till his mood improves. I hope you are understanding what I am trying to tell you.
Though he has promised that he will not try to do such a thing in the future, we can't predict when his mood worsens again. Please don't take his suicide attempt lightly.
He is in depression and should be shown to a psychiatrist. Antidepressants like SSRI drugs like Sertraline, Escitalopram, Fluoxetine etc., can be used in his case. Lithium can be added to stabilize his mood which will help in early recovery. Talk to him and if he gets ready, consult a psychiatrist. With medicines his mood will improve in a couple of weeks.
Hope I have answered your query. Please don't hesitate to ask again for follow up doubts.
Thanks and take care.
Regards,
Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi
Psychiatrist
This attempt can't be ignored.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
He has attempted to kill himself and this suicide (or para-suicide) attempt can't be ignored. He should be given round the clock attention and should not be left alone till his mood improves. I hope you are understanding what I am trying to tell you.
Though he has promised that he will not try to do such a thing in the future, we can't predict when his mood worsens again. Please don't take his suicide attempt lightly.
He is in depression and should be shown to a psychiatrist. Antidepressants like SSRI drugs like Sertraline, Escitalopram, Fluoxetine etc., can be used in his case. Lithium can be added to stabilize his mood which will help in early recovery. Talk to him and if he gets ready, consult a psychiatrist. With medicines his mood will improve in a couple of weeks.
Hope I have answered your query. Please don't hesitate to ask again for follow up doubts.
Thanks and take care.
Regards,
Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi
Psychiatrist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hi doctor.
He used several antidepressents and nothing really worked. And we are scared to ask him to consult any doctor. He has been consulting several doctors for his health problems which is why he is depressed about his health not recovering.
Please suggest ways to convince him for counselling.
He used several antidepressents and nothing really worked. And we are scared to ask him to consult any doctor. He has been consulting several doctors for his health problems which is why he is depressed about his health not recovering.
Please suggest ways to convince him for counselling.
Brief Answer:
Try to motivate him.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
First of all, since right now he is in severe depression, I am afraid counselling will help. Try to talk with him and convince him that mood disorders run a long course. Treatment is needed for a long time in order to come out of depression. Some times when conventional antidepressants fail then mood stabilizers or low dose anti-psychotics can be added. This will help in early response. Try to motivate him for that.
Hope I have answered your query.
Thank you.
Regards,
Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi
Psychiatrist
Try to motivate him.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
First of all, since right now he is in severe depression, I am afraid counselling will help. Try to talk with him and convince him that mood disorders run a long course. Treatment is needed for a long time in order to come out of depression. Some times when conventional antidepressants fail then mood stabilizers or low dose anti-psychotics can be added. This will help in early response. Try to motivate him for that.
Hope I have answered your query.
Thank you.
Regards,
Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi
Psychiatrist
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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