Depressed and Suicidal Patients

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Depressed and Suicidal Patients
The thought of life coming to an end is a scary thought for anyone, but for someone who is depressed and suicidal it may seem to them as a release of some kind. In reality is suicide going to solve these patient’s problems? The patient may think so, but it will not solve any issues or problems. Suicide is a pertinent solution that no one can return from. My experience with depressed and suicidal people or patients is small. This is why I chose to write about patients who are depressed and suicidal. Even though my experience is small. I want to learn what can be done for these patients, and how I can be a better advocate for them.
There are multiple reasons why a person becomes depressed and suicidal. Examples include job loss, death of loved one, and/or drug abuse. According to the American Association of Suicidology approximately 18.8 million or 9.5% American adults suffer with some form of “depressive illness” (AAS, 23 June 2009). Out of the 18.8 million adults suffering with depression 20% of those adults who are left untreated will try to commit suicide (AAS, June 23, 2009). Men are more likely to commit suicide; where as women are more likely to become depressed. “About 7 out of every hundred men and 1 out of every hundred women who have been diagnosed with depression in their lifetime will go on to complete suicide” (AAS, June 23, 2009).
This group of patients can be very unpredictable in their behaviors and actions. Look for warning signs in these patients. Warning signs for depressed and suicidal patients can include insomnia, lack of interest in day to day activities, feelings of hopelessness, always talking or thinking about harming themselves, making finial preparations, and saying fini...

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...logy (AAS). Website:

Nauert, Rick PHD. “Depression Care Slowed by Cultural Stigma”. March 29, 2010. Accessed 12/27/13. Webpage Psych Central News. Website:

Tamparo, Carol D. & Lindh, Wilburta Q. “Therapeutic Communications for Health Care”; Third Edition.2008. Clifton Park, NY. Publisher Delmar, Cengage Learning. Pg. 171

Resources Used
Author Unknown. Module 7: “Cultural Perspective on Mental Health”. 2013. Accessed 12/27/13. Webpage Unite for sight. Website:

Katson, Wayne J. MD. Caring for the Depressed Patient in Medical Settings. 06/20/2003. Accessed 12/27/13. Webpage Medscape. Website:

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