Outlook

The outcome for a person experiencing suicidal thoughts depends on the cause of the thoughts.

• The occasional thought about death without the worrisome symptoms can be ignored.

• Many people having suicidal thoughts are depressed. For those diagnosed with depression, the prognosis is good for a full recovery with the aid of antidepressant medication and counseling.

• For those with alcohol or drug problems, recovery can be long and difficult, but can be done.

• Those with more severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia may hope for great improvement in their disease with the aid of medication and regular psychiatric care.