Prevention

Suicidal thoughts can be prevented by following the recommendations of the health care provider. Whether treatment is recommended or medications and counseling are suggested or not, following through on treatment is the best means of prevention.

Suicidal thoughts can be frightening, and they can indicate a serious illness. People with depression or other forms of mental illness are not weak-willed. They have a real disease. Real medications are usually successful in treatment.

If you feel that someone is depressed, ask. If you are concerned that someone might be considering suicide, ask. If someone volunteers to you that they are thinking about suicide, please listen. It might be the only cry for help they utter.