Sorry to butt in so abruptly, but since my training is related to
this topic I feel it is my duty to inform forum readers about the
mind of the clinically depressed.
Telling them saccharine sweet happy stories won't work. Scolding
them for failing to "snap out of it" won't work. Reminding them how
important or precious life is will only insult their
intelligence.
Of course they know life is important. That is why they want to
kill themselves. The psychological and physiological situation of a
very depressed person is different from someone who is just a
little down.
A clinically depressed person with suicidal tendencies is a medical
emergency. Don't pretend to be a doctor, let the medical
professionals handle it.
Frierson et al. 2002 (Vol. 112 Postgrad Med)
Table 1. Elements of a suicide risk assessment interview
with a depressed patient
Current suicidal thoughts, intent, and plan
History of suicide attempts (eg, lethality of method,
circumstances)
Family history of suicide
History of violence (eg, weapon use, circumstances)
Intensity of current depressive symptoms
Current treatment regimen and response
Recent life stressors (eg, marital separation, job loss)
Alcohol and drug use patterns
Psychotic symptoms
Current living situation (eg, social supports, availability of
weapon)
