How can suicidal thoughts be managed in an 18-year-old?

Question

Hello doctor,

I want to discuss something very personal. I have been experiencing persistent suicidal ideation these days. I am an 18-year-old girl, and it is becoming challenging to navigate through these thoughts on my own. I want to understand if there are specific interventions, therapies, or medications that might be effective in addressing suicidal tendencies at my age. Additionally, I am curious about the potential underlying factors contributing to these thoughts and how they can be addressed. Your insights on the available treatment options and strategies to cope with the situation would be invaluable.

Please suggest.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Thank you for taking help from a psychiatrist. Suicidal thoughts can be due to psychiatric illness. It can be due to major depressive disorder, personality disorder, or substance abuse like alcohol, opioids, and schizophrenia. I need proper details from you to find out the cause of your suicidal thoughts. Every situation needs a different way to deal with it. Sometimes a person needs just counseling or lifestyle modification and sometimes a person needs medications. All these depend upon the person's history, duration of illness, severity, and other factors like family atmosphere, work profile, education, and marriage. I hope that you get your answer. Please let me know if you want some help.

Thank you and take care.