Sudden Suicidal Thoughts: A Guide for Mental Health Support

Q: Sudden Suicidal Thoughts: A Guide for Mental Health Support

Hello, Xiaoguang： Facing such a difficult situation alone is truly challenging, and you are very brave! I wonder if the doctor you are seeing is a psychiatrist? If not, I recommend that you consult a psychiatrist; if it is a psychiatrist, you can ask them to refer you for psychot

Life can suddenly bring about inexplicable suicidal thoughts?

Hello Doctor: Six months ago, I left home due to domestic violence and have been experiencing insomnia.
I was previously afraid of being found by my family, living in constant fear.
I am currently seeing a doctor, and the diagnosis states that I have an adjustment disorder with mixed depressive and anxious symptoms.
Before bed, I take half a tablet of Prazosin, 1.5 tablets of Clonazepam, 1 tablet of Abilify, 1/7 tablet of Olanzapine, and half a tablet of Quetiapine twice a day.
I have been introverted since childhood, and I experience panic in social situations, which makes me fearful and withdrawn.
I am slowly improving, but I still feel inexplicably anxious and overwhelmed when encountering strangers or when I am pressed for time, sometimes even feeling short of breath.

Due to my inability to concentrate, I can only work in cleaning jobs.
My family relationships are weak, and I only have friends from my faith community.
However, they tend to lose interest after a few days, thinking that I am not trying hard enough.
I find cleaning work to be quite exhausting, and I just want to take responsibility for myself.
They insist that I should change jobs, and if I don’t listen, they label me as unambitious, even believing that taking medication means I am not putting in effort and should learn to be stronger.

I feel very sad about my situation because I worked hard to support my family while studying part-time, and after finally graduating from university, I ended up doing cleaning work.
The people around me do not understand this.
Additionally, I still have nightmares related to my father, as I fainted during several severe incidents, fearing for my life at that time.
I thought I had finally escaped my home life, but I still cannot shake off this terrible fate.

As a child, I had some obsessive-compulsive tendencies, and facing cleaning work every day is quite painful.
Despite my efforts, those around me do not empathize with my struggles, and I cannot find ways to improve my situation.
Sometimes I comfort myself by acknowledging that I am trying, which gives me some encouragement, but at other times, I feel like I am on the verge of a breakdown.
Although I have thoughts of wanting to die, I manage to calm myself down, yet these feelings seem to intensify.
Strangely, during periods when I feel normal, it seems like nothing is wrong, but then I experience waves of distress.
I am unsure how to handle this and do not understand why it comes in waves.

When I speak, I get nervous, and during my appointments, I struggle to express myself clearly.
I can only answer the doctor’s questions, and sometimes I make mistakes due to my anxiety.
I do not know how to communicate my situation to the doctor or what to do about it.
Thank you.

Xiao Guang, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/03/14

Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry

Hello, Xiaoguang: Facing such a difficult situation alone is truly challenging, and you are very brave! I wonder if the doctor you are seeing is a psychiatrist? If not, I recommend that you consult a psychiatrist; if it is a psychiatrist, you can ask them to refer you for psychotherapy and a family assessment.
The purpose of psychotherapy is to help you overcome the shadows of domestic violence and improve your difficulties in interacting with others, while also providing you with an outlet for expressing your feelings when you're feeling down.
The family assessment aims to help you understand your interactions with family members and to refer you to social resources (such as reporting domestic violence, financial assistance, vocational training, or job referrals, etc.).
As for your emotional distress, insomnia, and suicidal thoughts, it is important to discuss these issues thoroughly with your doctor to evaluate whether any adjustments to your medication are necessary.
If you find it difficult to express yourself clearly during your appointment, I suggest writing down your situation beforehand and showing it to the doctor during your visit, so they can better understand what you want to convey.
Hang in there! I wish you a speedy recovery and success in your work!

Reply Date: 2021/03/14

More Info

Understanding sudden suicidal thoughts can be incredibly challenging, especially for individuals who have experienced trauma, such as domestic violence, and are navigating complex emotional landscapes. Your situation reflects a profound struggle with mental health, characterized by anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation. It’s crucial to recognize that seeking help is a vital step in addressing these feelings and thoughts.

Firstly, it’s important to understand that suicidal thoughts can arise from a combination of factors, including psychological distress, overwhelming emotions, and situational stressors. In your case, the trauma from domestic violence, coupled with the pressure of societal expectations and personal struggles, can create a perfect storm for such thoughts to emerge. The feelings of inadequacy and the burden of responsibility you carry can exacerbate these thoughts, making it feel as though there is no escape from your pain.

The medications you are currently taking, including antidepressants and anxiolytics, are commonly prescribed to help manage symptoms of anxiety and depression. However, it’s essential to have open communication with your healthcare provider about how these medications are affecting you. If you are experiencing side effects or feel that they are not adequately addressing your symptoms, discussing alternative treatments or adjustments with your doctor is crucial. Mental health treatment is not one-size-fits-all, and finding the right combination of therapies and medications can take time.

In addition to medication, therapy can be a powerful tool for managing suicidal thoughts and feelings. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is particularly effective for individuals experiencing anxiety and depression. It focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors, which can help you develop healthier coping mechanisms. A therapist can provide a safe space for you to express your feelings and fears without judgment, helping you to articulate your experiences more clearly.

Moreover, building a support network is vital. While it may feel like those around you do not understand your struggles, reaching out to trusted friends or support groups can provide a sense of community and belonging. Sharing your experiences with others who have faced similar challenges can help alleviate feelings of isolation and provide encouragement. Online forums or local support groups for survivors of domestic violence can be particularly beneficial.

Practicing self-care is also essential. Engaging in activities that bring you joy or relaxation, such as exercise, art, or mindfulness practices, can help reduce anxiety and improve your overall mood. Establishing a routine that includes time for self-care can create a sense of stability in your life, which is especially important when dealing with fluctuating emotions.

If you ever feel overwhelmed by suicidal thoughts, it’s crucial to reach out for immediate help. Crisis hotlines and mental health professionals are available to provide support in moments of crisis. Remember, you are not alone in this struggle, and there are people who care and want to help you through these difficult times.

In summary, understanding and managing sudden suicidal thoughts involves a multifaceted approach that includes medication, therapy, self-care, and building a supportive network. It’s essential to communicate openly with your healthcare provider about your experiences and feelings, and to seek help when needed. Recovery is a journey, and while it may feel daunting at times, there is hope for a brighter future. Your life is valuable, and taking steps toward healing is a testament to your strength and resilience.

Similar Q&A

Finding Free Mental Health Support: A Guide for Those in Crisis

I have had suicidal thoughts since elementary school, but I didn't know how to go about it. It feels like there are several versions of myself in my mind that discuss things with me, and my memory isn't very good; I've had a concussion before. Throughout middle sch...

Dr. Su Zongwei reply Psychiatry
To see a doctor, you must at least pay the health insurance-related fees. Where is it free? I don't know.

Understanding Suicidal Thoughts: A Journey Through Mental Health Challenges

I have had suicidal thoughts since around the second semester of sixth grade. At that time, I wanted to let go of a boy I had a crush on for a long time, and I cried almost every night (along with some other symptoms). Additionally, I was being discussed privately by others (simi...

Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry
Hello, Zining: If you are constantly immersed in thoughts of suicide, it may be a symptom of depression. Past negative events can affect your current mood. Symptoms and thoughts related to depression can often improve with appropriate treatment interventions, so please cherish yo...

Understanding Unconventional Thoughts: Seeking Help for Mental Health Issues

Hello, doctor: I have been unsure about what to do and whether this is a kind of illness. My thought processes are different from others, and only one classmate who shares similar issues knows about it. We are cautious not to let anyone else know about our conversations. Ultimate...

Dr. Lin Yanhong reply Psychiatry
"Before happiness arrives, death may seem like the happiest thing," sounds terrifying, doesn't it? Perhaps your current life experiences tell you that ending it all seems meaningful. Many people, when in a state of depression, easily develop pessimistic thoughts, e...

Understanding Mental Health: Seeking Help for Suicidal Thoughts

Hello, doctor. I am a recent college graduate, and I have been serving in the military for three months now. I suspect that I may have a mental illness, so I would like to seek your advice. I remember that during high school, I never had such thoughts, but after moving away for c...

Dr. Chen Wenke reply Psychiatry
Hello, First of all, I want to say sorry for the delayed response. I truly do not understand why it took until today to receive your letter. After carefully reviewing your message, I can clearly see your thought process, which indeed reflects a lot of negative emotions and diff...