Ways to Tell Your Doctor You Are Suicidal

It isn't easy to admit you're feeling alone, deeply confused and desperate for a way out of your sadness. You may know you need help, but it may be hard for you to ask. There are methods you can use that will hopefully make it easier for you to approach your doctor and ask for the guidance you need.

Reach Out

• If you're hesitant to tell your doctor your feelings face-to-face, you can begin by calling or e-mailing him at the office. If you're calling and you're worried your words won't come out the way you want them to, write down what you want to say and have it in front of you when you make the call.

Be Open

• Don't hold back. Be sure to explain how bad you're feeling and that you're thinking about committing suicide. Tell your doctor how long you've been having thoughts of suicide, what problems you're facing in your life and that you really need some help and answers. If you've noticed any physical symptoms, be sure and convey those too. The type of deep depression that leads to thoughts of suicide is often due to underlying medical conditions, including chemical imbalances in the brain.

Keep Your Appointment

• If you've reached out via e-mail or phone call and told your doctor how you're feeling, he will probably want to see you in person. Your doctor could also decide to immediately refer you to a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist.

  Whether your face-to-face visit is with your primary care doctor or a mental-health professional, you need to keep that appointment. Your doctor may want to rule out an underlying physical problem for your depression, such as an underactive thyroid. A psychiatrist will be able to diagnose a possible chemical imbalance in your brain that could be helped by taking antidepressants.

  The primary care or mental health doctor will most likely ask you if you have had or been treated for suicidal thoughts in the past, if you have a family history of suicide or mental illness and whether or not you use alcohol, prescription drugs or other drugs such as marijuana.

Bring Support

• If you are feeling anxious about your in-person appointment, you may want to write down the answers to these questions and bring them with you to your visit. That way, your nervousness won't cause you to forget any important information that will assist the doctor in helping you feel better.

  You may also want to bring a trusted friend or family member with you for support and to provide insight into your symptoms and the circumstances that led up to your suicidal feelings.