The relationship between depression and suicide from Psychology

Many psychologists agree that the vast majority of people suffer from depression at some point in life.

This fact is not strange with the rhythm of life of today's society, in which we are vulnerable to loneliness, rejection, economic difficulties... However, it is relatively common to confuse a depressive disorder with episodes of conjunctural sadness, such as Dysthymia.

Depression and suicide: investigating their clinical relationship

It is usually observed how in the changes of season some symptoms appear linked directly or indirectly with the depressive disorder: for example, the spring depression is the name given to the brief depressive episode that many people suffer from.

The depression treatment It is based on the indications and guidelines that the psychologist puts on the table so that the patient can overcome his depressive disorder. There are also a good variety of natural antidepressants, certainly unknown and that have properties that relieve symptoms and offer complementary support to treatment psychological.

It is not uncommon to hear in our time that someone has committed suicide, and to detect that behind that tragic event there is a major depression. What is the link between depression and suicide?

The two main causes of depression are, on the one hand, the absence of hope or optimism about the future, and, on the other hand, the loss of autonomy in front of his life and his feelings.

Since depression weakens our hopes, reality is altered, to the point that the person with depression rejects the help of family and friends, as well as the attention of a professional skilled.

It is for this reason, added to the tendency of people with depression to focus more on the negative aspects of life, that they cannot conceive of a future beyond their own death.

It is at that moment when suicidal ideas are generated. The only treatment in these cases is the strict follow-up of therapy focused on regaining confidence, hope and control over life and emotions.

Symptoms associated with depression and suicide

There are a total of three symptoms of depression fundamentally linked to suicide, and they are the following:

• Increased abandonment in personal care.

• Insomnia, difficulty resting.

• Cognitive impairment

Treatment of depression linked to suicide

When the therapist chooses the most appropriate treatment for cases of depression with a risk of suicide, he must take into account that the patient with depression is often skeptical of possible solutions to their problems, both material or emotional (external to their control) and psychological.

The treatment to be followed may vary depending on the type or degree of depression that the patient presents. For example, if we are facing a serious case, it is highly recommended that the patient be hospitalized immediately because the risk of suicide is very great. It should be remembered that the professional has the power to make that decision.

Major depression or severe depression will require both psychological and pharmacological treatment, to help the patient to control anxiety and the discomfort that is usually associated with depressive symptoms.

However, if the case is mild, the most recommended therapy is usually a psychological follow-up that accompanies the patient to overcome his disorder.