Thoughts of death or suicidal intentions

Thoughts of death or suicidal intentions
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According to the Jed Foundation, people who struggle with depressive disorders are at increased risk of having suicidal thoughts or impulses for suicide. Therefore, it’s beneficial to know these 13 suicide warning signs. Some common signs of suicidal thoughts and behaviour include talking about ending one’s life, withdrawal, changes in substance abuse, and giving away personal possessions.

TRIGGER WARNING: If you or anyone you know needs help please call Lifeline on 131114.

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Hallucinations

Hallucinations
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When people start hallucinating (seeing or hearing things) or become delusional, their diagnosis could be psychotic depression, a combination of depression and psychosis. Psychotic depression is the severe end of the depression spectrum, says Dr Schwartz. “People with this condition are at a fairly high risk of suicide or of doing something harmful because they are driven by delusion – they need to be treated with antidepressant and anti-psychotic medications.”

Treating depression

Treating depression
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The use of depression medication has increased dramatically over time. “One-fourth of persons who took antidepressant medication had done so for 10 years or more.” Additionally, Dr Schwartz says that antidepressant medication has improved over the years. In other words, many now have more tolerable side effects. Today, SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are the most commonly prescribed type of antidepressants.  SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) are also in use. Many people may be able to come off their antidepressants when they’ve been feeling better for at least a year. Talk to your doctor to see if this is an option and don’t stop taking medications without having this conversation.

Check out these 20 depression depression memes that may make you feel a little better.

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Source: RD.com

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