Further Information on Mental Health

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Depression is a common mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities. 

Symptoms: 

• Persistent low mood or sadness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Sleep disturbances (insomnia or excessive sleeping)
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Feeling worthless or guilty
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide 

Causes: The exact causes of depression are complex and may include: 

• Biological factors (e.g., genetics, neurochemical imbalances)
• Psychological factors (e.g., stress, trauma, loss)
• Environmental factors (e.g., social isolation, poverty) 

Types: 

• Major depressive disorder: Persistent symptoms lasting at least two weeks
• Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia): Less severe symptoms lasting at least two years 
• Bipolar disorder: Alternating periods of depression and mania or hypomania 

Diagnosis: A healthcare professional will typically conduct a physical and mental health evaluation to diagnose depression. This may include asking about symptoms, medical history, and family history. 

Treatment: Treatment for depression may include:

• Psychotherapy:Talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can help individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. 
• Medication:Antidepressant medications can help regulate brain chemicals associated with mood. 
• Lifestyle changes:Exercise, good sleep hygiene, and a healthy diet can improve overall well-being. 

Prognosis: With proper treatment, most people with depression can improve their symptoms and live fulfilling lives. However, it's important to note that depression is a chronic condition that may require ongoing management. Additional Information:

• Depression is a common condition, affecting an estimated 3.5% of the global population. 
• Women are more likely to be diagnosed with depression than men. 
• Depression can co-occur with other mental health conditions, such as anxiety and substance abuse. 
• If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of depression, it's essential to seek professional help.

Anxiety is a common mental health condition characterized by excessive worry, fear, and nervousness that can interfere with daily life. 

Causes: The exact causes of anxiety are complex and may involve a combination of factors, including: 

• Genetics
• Brain chemistry imbalances
• Life experiences (e.g., trauma, stress)
• Medical conditions (e.g., thyroid disorders) 

Symptoms: Common symptoms of anxiety include:

• Excessive worry and rumination
• Feeling tense, restless, or on edge
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Rapid heartbeat
• Sweating
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Nausea or stomach upset
• Panic attacks (sudden episodes of intense fear

Types of Anxiety Disorders:

There are several different types of anxiety disorders, including: 

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), Panic disorder, Social anxiety disorder, Specific phobia, and Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). 

Treatment: Treatment for anxiety typically involves a combination of therapy and medication: 

• Therapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment that focuses on changing negative thoughts and behaviors associated with anxiety.   
• Medication: Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can help reduce symptoms. 

Outlook: With proper treatment, most people with anxiety can manage their symptoms and live fulfilling lives. However, it's important to note that anxiety is a chronic condition that may require ongoing treatment and support

Trauma is a deeply distressing or overwhelming experience that can have a profound impact on a person's emotional, physical, and cognitive well-being. 

Causes: Traumatic events can include:

Witnessing or experiencing violence or abuse, natural disasters, accidents, loss of a loved one, and medical diagnoses or illnesses. 

Symptoms: The symptoms of trauma can vary widely and may include: 

• Emotional reactions: Fear, anxiety, anger, sadness, guilt, shame
• Physical reactions: Headaches, fatigue, nightmares, insomnia
• Cognitive reactions: Difficulty concentrating, flashbacks, intrusive thoughts
• Behavioral changes: Avoidance, substance abuse, relationship problems 

Impact: Trauma can have a significant impact on a person's life, leading to: 

• Mental health disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Chronic health problems
• Relationship difficulties
• Difficulty functioning in work or school 

Treatment: Treatment for trauma typically involves a combination of therapies, including: 

• Psychotherapy: To help individuals understand and process their experiences, develop coping mechanisms, and improve their emotional regulation  
• Medication: To manage symptoms such as anxiety, depression, or insomnia `
• Support groups: To connect with others who have experienced similar traumas

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder that affects a person's ability to focus, control behavior, and regulate impulses. Symptoms can begin in childhood and continue into adulthood. 

Symptoms 

• Inattention, such as difficulty focusing, staying on task, or staying organized
• Hyperactivity, such as often moving around, feeling restless, or talking excessively
• Impulsivity, such as interrupting, intruding on others, or having trouble waiting one's turn

Treatment 

• Medication
• Behavior therapy, including training for parents
• A combination of these treatments

Impact: ADHD can impact a person's daily life, including social relationships and school or work performance. It can also lead to poor self-esteem and social function in children. 

Types of ADHD Predominantly Inattentive Presentation, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation, and Combined Presentation (a combination of inattentive and hyper-impulsive symptoms). 

Other information

There is no cure for ADHD, but treatments can help reduce symptoms and improve functioning.

Panic attacks are sudden episodes of intense anxiety that can cause significant physical and emotional distress. They are characterized by a rapid onset of multiple symptoms, including: 

Physical Symptoms: 

• Rapid heartbeat
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Chest pain or tightness
• Nausea
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Trembling or shaking
• Numbness or tingling

Emotional Symptoms: Intense fear or dread, Feeling of losing control, Sense of impending doom, Confusion, and Depersonalization (feeling detached from oneself). Causes: The exact cause of panic attacks is not fully understood, but they are believed to be related to a complex interplay of factors, including: 

• Genetics
• Brain chemistry imbalances
• Environmental stressors (e.g., trauma, stress, loss)
• Learned behaviors
• Certain medical conditions (e.g., hyperthyroidism, heart disease) 

Diagnosis: A healthcare professional can diagnose a panic attack based on a thorough medical history, physical exam, and review of symptoms. 

Treatment: Treatment for panic attacks typically involves a combination of therapies, including: 

• Psychotherapy:Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective treatment for panic attacks. It helps individuals identify and challenge negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to panic attacks. 
• Medication:Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can help reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks. 
• Lifestyle changes:Exercise, relaxation techniques, and stress management strategies can help improve overall well-being and reduce the risk of panic attacks. 

Prognosis: With proper treatment, most people with panic attacks can manage their symptoms and live full and productive lives. However, some people may experience chronic panic attacks that require ongoing treatment and support. 

Additional Information:

• Panic attacks typically last between 5 and 20 minutes. 
• They can be extremely frightening and distressing. 
• It is important to seek professional help if you experience a panic attack, as they can be a sign of an underlying medical or mental health condition

Suicidal ideation, or suicidal thoughts, are when you think about, consider or feel preoccupied with the idea of death and suicide. These thoughts may come and go or be extremely distracting. You might dwell on thoughts of suicide to the point where you make a plan to take your own life.

It’s difficult to simply define what suicidal ideation looks like because it’s different for each person. For example, you might fall asleep to the thought of not waking up in the morning. Or you might see a fast-moving vehicle and think about jumping out in front of it. As such, these thoughts can range in severity and intensity.

While having a thought isn’t the same as physically attempting suicide, it can still impact your mental health and lead to suicidal behaviors or self-harm. If you’re thinking about suicide or have suicidal thoughts, it’s important to talk to someone about it. This may help or prevent it from getting worse. You can call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. However, you don’t need to be in a “crisis” to call the Lifeline. Someone is available to talk to you 24/7.

How common is suicidal ideation?

Suicidal ideation is common. One study reported that 10.6 million adults (people over age 18) in the United States, or 4.3% of the U.S. adult population, experienced suicidal thoughts. Among children (before age 18) in the United States, 18% thought about attempting suicide.

What’s the difference between passive and active suicidal ideation?

There are two forms of suicidal ideation. These can look and feel different for each person who experiences it.

Passive suicidal ideation: Suicidal thoughts occur without any desire to make a plan of action to harm yourself.

Active suicidal ideation: Suicidal thoughts motivate you to create an action plan of self-harm. When a plan is in place, you may feel at ease or withdrawn. Warning signs of suicide, like giving away valued belongings and writing a note, may occur. This usually requires emergency treatment.

How is suicidal ideation diagnosed?

A healthcare provider or mental health professional will diagnose suicidal ideation after asking you a series of questions to learn more about your thoughts of suicide.

While there are several types of suicidal ideation assessments and questionnaires, there isn’t a specific suicidal ideation test to predict whether you’re going to harm yourself. The goal of a diagnosis is to help your provider learn more about what’s going on, including the cause of the suicidal ideation, so they can help you treat it.

Suicidal ideation scale

There are several types of suicidal ideation scales available to help a healthcare provider learn more about how suicidal ideation affects you and its severity. To do this, your provider will ask you several “yes” or “no” questions. For example, questions on the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) could include:

Have you wished you were dead or wanted to go to sleep and not wake up?

Have you had any thoughts about killing yourself?

Do you have a plan in place to kill yourself?

Have you harmed yourself or done anything to fulfill the plan you created (like purchasing a weapon, giving away valuables, writing a note, etc.)?

If a provider asks you questions, it’s important that you answer honestly. They’re looking out for your health and safety, so your truthfulness can open doors to treatment.

Possible Causes

What are the most common causes of suicidal ideation?

There are many possible causes of suicidal ideation. Sometimes, there isn’t a single identifiable cause or there could be several things that contribute to suicidal thoughts. Common risk factors may include:

Biological factors (genetics, brain development).

Demographics (like age, education, employment and socioeconomic status).

Interpersonal relationships.

Negative life events.

Sexual orientation.

Stress.

Substance use disorder.

An underlying mental health condition, such as depression, anxiety or psychosis.

Care and Treatment

How is suicidal ideation treated?

Treatment for suicidal ideation varies based on the severity and likely cause. One goal of treatment is to keep you safe. Your healthcare provider might recommend one or a combination of the following as treatment for suicidal ideation:

A safety plan that includes coping skills and people to reach out to if suicidal ideation occurs.

Cognitive behavioral therapy or other therapies to strengthen coping skills.

Medications.

Inpatient or outpatient mental health programs in a hospital or clinic.

If you’re a caretaker for someone who has active suicidal ideation, make sure to remove any items or objects from their living space that could cause harm, including weapons or unprescribed medications. If you’re on the receiving end of treatment, know that your caretakers aren’t taking away your property — they’re relocating items until you’re safe enough to have them in your possession.

How do I deal with suicidal ideation?

If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts right now, here are some tips to help you cope:

Reach out for help by calling (or texting) emergency services or a crisis line like 988 if you’re in danger of acting on your suicidal thoughts.

Reach out to someone you trust. Meet with them or have a conversation. You don’t have to talk about suicide — it helps to be around others who care and listen.

Participate in an activity you enjoy (or used to enjoy). You may not feel up to participating fully, but activities, even taking a short walk or petting a dog, can offer a positive distraction.

Focus on the moment and getting through the day rather than the future. Thinking too far ahead can be overwhelming and stressful.

Avoid using substances like alcohol or unprescribed drugs.

What are the possible complications or risks of not treating suicidal ideation?

Death by suicide is the most serious complication of untreated suicidal ideation. You’re also at risk of self-harm. Help is available — you don’t need to have a severe diagnosis to get the help you need.

Can suicidal ideation be prevented?

You can’t prevent your brain from thinking thoughts. So, there isn’t a way to prevent suicidal ideation. But there are ways to make the thoughts less severe and prevent suicide. Education and learning the warning signs are helpful. Engaging in a mental health treatment plan if you do experience suicidal ideation can reduce your risk of life-threatening outcomes.

When To Call the Doctor

How do I get help for suicidal ideation?

You might feel like you’re on an island when you experience suicidal thoughts, but you’re never alone.

It can be difficult to ask for help. But there are several resources available so you can get the care you need. You might start by calling or texting 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.). They’re available to listen and offer assistance.

Your healthcare provider (a primary care physician) and/or a mental health professional (a therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist) can treat suicidal ideation and its causes. Support from your friends, family and community can help in the long term.

With your approval, your care team can offer guidance to your family and friends to be there for you on a daily basis. This could include providing education and skills for crisis planning and helping you cope.

If you’re unsure how to take the first step, have a conversation with someone you trust. You may feel more comfortable getting started when you know you have support.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

We think thousands of thoughts throughout the day. Sometimes, thoughts about death make an appearance more often than you’d expect. While suicidal ideation isn’t the action of taking your own life, it can pave a path toward it. If you experience suicidal thoughts, reach out for help. You can start by calling or texting the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or talking with a trusted friend or family member. You’re not alone. Help is available.  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/suicidal-ideation

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has more information about mental health diagnosis.