Suicidal people typically receive medications such as antidepressants as part of their treatment. This is because, in addition to thoughts of suicide, these individuals may also suffer from other symptoms: depression, sleeping problems, anxiety, disturbances in their thinking, and, possibly, difficulty in concentrating. Those who are suicidal are often are prescribed multiple medications (e.g. an antidepressant for suicide plus something for sleep or a mild tranquilizer and a mood stabilizer).
The Good–
The good thing about medication in the treatment of suicide is that these drugs usually reduce some of the most unpleasant symptoms. For example:
- Insomnia
- Hallucinations
- Panic attacks
- A total lack of pleasure
These medications may jump-start a person into feeling a little better. There is also the added benefit that the drugs often enhance the effectiveness of counseling. Talk therapy, while highly beneficial, often takes more time. Prescription medications, like antidepressants, can help stabilize an individual while they develop better emotional tools through therapy.
The Bad–
On the bad side, though, these medications do not cure suicidal thoughts any more than cold medications cure the common cold. However, most of us feel a little better when the cold medicine starts to relieve our cough.
Medications in the treatment of suicide help, but they don’t fix the underlying reasons that make a person consider suicide. Counseling or psychotherapy is better suited to address the causes for suicidal ideas. Additionally, it can take a little bit of time to get the right dosage or pill for your need. You may have to try several options before you get something that works right for you.
It would be amazing if a simple pill made all our problems go away, but that’s not how even the best antidepressants work. You will have to put in some effort over time to successfully defeat suicidal thoughts, learn to manage with your world, and develop healthy coping strategies.
The Ugly–
The less pleasant aspects of antidepressants for suicide can be their side effects. They can include:
- Weight gain
- Sexual dysfunction
- Decreased libido
- Headaches
- Nausea
- A dulled sense of all emotions
In addition, the effects of many of these medications are not instantaneous. They don’t work quickly to remove your pain like aspirin or ibuprofen do. Often, it may be several weeks before you experience their therapeutic effect. Furthermore, you may have to take such medications for months or even years. A few of these medications, notably the ones for anxiety, can even be addictive. You may also be concerned about not sending a message to children or loved ones that all of life’s problems can be fixed with a drug.
In Closing…
Medications have a definite role in the treatment of suicidal thought. Most mental health professionals would agree, though, that they should be combined with counseling or psychotherapy to obtain the best results. You can listen to episode 6 of our podcast, “Antidepressants for Suicidal Thoughts” to find out even more on this subject.