What is Suicide Treatment?

Suicide treatment is a combination of emergency care and psychological counseling services for individuals who have either attempted suicide or are planning future attempts. Emergency suicide treatments may include hospitalization, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and/or first aid. In individuals for whom the underlying cause of suicidal tendencies is a mental health condition such as depression, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder, suicide treatment includes a combination of medication and counseling services that stabilize the mental state and inspire a desire to live.

Unsuccessful suicide attempts can result in a variety of situations in need of immediate attention. An elderly woman who has purposely taken an overdose of medication may need to be rushed to the hospital to eliminate the drugs from her body. If a teenage boy has unsuccessfully tried to hang himself, he may need mouth-to-mouth resuscitation or CPR. A woman who has slashed her wrist may be bleeding profusely and need emergency care to stop the bleeding. In all emergency cases, suicide treatment must be delivered immediately and by a medical professional, if possible.

Many suicide attempts are committed by individuals suffering from mental health disorders. Depression may be behind an individual’s desire to take his life. Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are other conditions which can lead to extreme depression and a lack of interest in life. Individuals with addictions to alcohol and drugs might attempt suicide when completely intoxicated or in mentally altered states. Treatment in all of these instances requires addressing the underlying condition to eliminate or minimize the feelings of depression and mental instability.

Suicide treatment for individuals with mental health disorders and a history of suicide in the family typically involves psychiatric treatment, such as psychotherapy and/or medication. A psychiatrist might adjust the medication type or dosage for a schizophrenic or bipolar patient. Mental health practitioners typically will watch for symptoms, such as a change in the patient’s sleep patterns. Other symptoms include a general feeling of hopelessness, loss of interest in life, giving away personal belongings, and/or engaging in destructive behaviors.

The desire to commit suicide spans a wide age range, from adolescents to the elderly. Suicidal teenagers often do not ask for help due to feelings of powerlessness or hopelessness. Suicide attempts in the elderly are usually a function of depression. An older person may feel that his life is a burden to others due to his physical condition or financial situation. In all such cases, suicide treatment involves psychotherapy to identify the root cause of the issue, instill hope in the patient, and assist him to regain his joy for living.