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Suggest Treatment For Depression And Suicidal Thoughts

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Posted on Wed, 28 Jan 2015
Question: What should I do to stay out of the hospital,
for thoughts of harming myself?? is there an alternative??
I don't really like my current psychiatrist.... I am working
on finding another Dr.... I'm not feeling like this now but
it is intermittent .... No psychiatric medications as of now
the Dr. took me off a month or 2 ago????
doctor
Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Counseling, new doctor, exercise

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question. Suicide is a part of having depression and several other disorders like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Unfortunately if you are suicidal the best thing is always to go to the Emergency Department. As you know if you have been suicidal before these feelings pass and in time you can feel better. The task for you now is to try to get to a place where you do not become suicidal. Psychiatrists are good at prescribing medications, but that is only a piece of the treatment for depressive problems with suicidal thoughts. It is also important to find and go regularly to a trained counselor that can help you overcome the triggers that push you into the place of feeling suicidal. We all have things that we do or think that make us feel bad and working with a trained counselor can help you conquer some of those. Daily exercise, even walking for 30-60 minutes a day can also improve brain function and help with decreasing depressive symptoms. Social activity and seeking social support can help with depression. Helping other, such as volunteering, can help us take the focus off ourselves and improve our self-esteem by doing good deeds for others in need. I encourage you to find a new psychiatrist to help you find a medication that may ease your symptoms but also go to a primary care doctor as well and make sure that you are healthy. Some metabolic problems like low thyroid can make depression much worse. I wish you the best. Thank you for using HCM
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Kathy Robinson (46 minutes later)
I didn't necessarily understand why I should go to the E.R since these feelings are related to bipolar which is exactly what I was diagnosed with
doctor
Answered by Dr. Kathy Robinson (5 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
only need to go if you are suicidal

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your follow up. I only meant that you should go to the emergency department if you are suicidal. They can help you remain safe and prevent you ending your life. Anyone with an illness that can cause suicidal thoughts needs to understand that if you do not feel safe, it is best to go to the emergency department where you can be kept safe until you get adequate treatment. Bipolar disorder is a serious illness and can cause death just as surely as a heart attack. Just like with a heart patient, if symptoms are severe the emergency department care can be life saving. People with bipolar disorder usually need to be on medication for life so I really hope you find a new psychiatrist soon. Best wishes to you.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Kathy Robinson

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1989

Answered : 3535 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Depression And Suicidal Thoughts

Brief Answer: Counseling, new doctor, exercise Detailed Answer: Hello and thank you for your question. Suicide is a part of having depression and several other disorders like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Unfortunately if you are suicidal the best thing is always to go to the Emergency Department. As you know if you have been suicidal before these feelings pass and in time you can feel better. The task for you now is to try to get to a place where you do not become suicidal. Psychiatrists are good at prescribing medications, but that is only a piece of the treatment for depressive problems with suicidal thoughts. It is also important to find and go regularly to a trained counselor that can help you overcome the triggers that push you into the place of feeling suicidal. We all have things that we do or think that make us feel bad and working with a trained counselor can help you conquer some of those. Daily exercise, even walking for 30-60 minutes a day can also improve brain function and help with decreasing depressive symptoms. Social activity and seeking social support can help with depression. Helping other, such as volunteering, can help us take the focus off ourselves and improve our self-esteem by doing good deeds for others in need. I encourage you to find a new psychiatrist to help you find a medication that may ease your symptoms but also go to a primary care doctor as well and make sure that you are healthy. Some metabolic problems like low thyroid can make depression much worse. I wish you the best. Thank you for using HCM