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Suggest Treatment For Suicidal Thoughts

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Posted on Mon, 19 May 2014
Question: I have major depression and I am obese. My doctor told me to exercise or he will need to put me on blood pressure meds, but I'm not exercising and I am not watching my calories. Since my husband died 13 years ago I have been just waiting to die. My question is should I talk to my psychiatrist about this. I am not going to take an overdose of meds but I'm just not doing anything to prolong my life.
Do you think that I am suicidal?
How long does it take to receive a response?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sunil Gupta (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
You must talk to your psychiatrist about it

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXX,

I read your query and can understand the grief that you seem to be going through. Loss of a spouse is a major setback in life, but I guess that's what life is all about. We have to pull ourselves back.

Coming to your question, I was not able to make out if you are already on treatment. Not wanting to live is definitely a symptom of major concern. I would not call you suicidal at present but considering life not worth is just a stage prior to developing suicidality. I would highly recommend that you talk to your psychiatrist regarding it and that too as soon as possible.

Generally anti-depressants start showing response in about 2 weeks time. However, for complete response, it will need a few more weeks, depending on your severity of symptoms. You will have to be compliant to the dose of medications as recommended by your psychiatrist.

One another thing. Exercising will not only help you lose weight, it will also help in relaxing yourself and improving your mood. So ahead and do it.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help.

Best wishes,

Dr. Sunil Gupta

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sunil Gupta (2 hours later)
I have been on meds. For depression for years. They really don't have that much of a positive impact on me.
For whatever reason I find it hard to be outside on my own. I don't mind being there with someone else but being alone just makes me feel as if people are watching me and I feel extremely uncomfortable.
I don't know how to start the conversation with my psychiatrist. Just tell him I'm not exercising and I'm overweight ( obese). It's a problem because I don't have anyone to walk or do anything with, and because of this I don't care about my future?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sunil Gupta (20 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Need to open up with your psychiatrist.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXX,

Thanks for the reply. From what you have mentioned, it seems you might also have a situation of social anxiety in addition to depression, which is the reason why you feel uncomfortable in situation when you are alone without anyone you know and find it difficult to start conversations.

You will just have to start opening up with your psychiatrist. Until you speak out and let him complete access to what you are actually thinking, it will be difficult for him to help you completely. You can just start with saying that there are things you want to share with him. You psychiatrist will make you comfortable enough to tell whatever you want to.

You can also discuss about options of treatment by psycho-therapeutic measures like cognitive behavior therapy for your depression as well as anxiety. This treatment can supplement you medications. There will be regular sessions (once to twice a week) where you will be taught to relaxation measures, your thought pattern will be analysed by your own help and steps to rectify any problems will be taken. You can ask your psychiatrist regarding this form of treatment too.

Hope I have answered your query. If you do not have any clarifications, you can close the discussion and rate the answer. Wish you good health.

Dr. Sunil Gupta
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
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Answered by
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Dr. Sunil Gupta

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 637 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Suicidal Thoughts

Brief Answer: You must talk to your psychiatrist about it Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXX, I read your query and can understand the grief that you seem to be going through. Loss of a spouse is a major setback in life, but I guess that's what life is all about. We have to pull ourselves back. Coming to your question, I was not able to make out if you are already on treatment. Not wanting to live is definitely a symptom of major concern. I would not call you suicidal at present but considering life not worth is just a stage prior to developing suicidality. I would highly recommend that you talk to your psychiatrist regarding it and that too as soon as possible. Generally anti-depressants start showing response in about 2 weeks time. However, for complete response, it will need a few more weeks, depending on your severity of symptoms. You will have to be compliant to the dose of medications as recommended by your psychiatrist. One another thing. Exercising will not only help you lose weight, it will also help in relaxing yourself and improving your mood. So ahead and do it. Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help. Best wishes, Dr. Sunil Gupta