Suicidal Thoughts (cont.)

Medical Author:

Roxanne Dryden-Edwards, MD

Roxanne Dryden-Edwards, MD

Dr. Roxanne Dryden-Edwards is an adult, child, and adolescent psychiatrist. She is a former Chair of the Committee on Developmental Disabilities for the American Psychiatric Association, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, and Medical Director of the National Center for Children and Families in Bethesda, Maryland.

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Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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For the otherwise healthy person with no signs of depression, a psychiatric disorder, or drug or alcohol abuse, fleeting thoughts about death are usually harmless. However, any current desires to die make home care completely inappropriate.

If anyone, including the suicidal person, has concerns that the person might be depressed or have other difficulties, then home care is not appropriate.

A concerned friend, partner, or other loved one should inquire directly about thoughts of suicide.

• Contrary to conventional wisdom, asking about suicidal thoughts or plans does not put the idea in the person's head.



• If you are concerned that someone may be depressed or suicidal, then ask in a direct and caring manner.



• You might simply say, "You seem down to me, and I'm concerned. Is everything all right? Do you have any fear of being alone? Are you experiencing thoughts about death or suicide?"

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