Archive of ‘Suicide’ category

Ketamine as a Treatment for Suicidal Ideation

A study out of Columbia University offers insight into a potential new treatment for suicidal ideation. Patients who express that they’re experiencing suicidal thoughts are traditionally treated with antidepressants and/or sedatives. After recent research came out of the American Journal of Psychiatry, ketamine has been getting attention as a viable treatment that is effective in […] Read more…

The Deification of Perfectionism in an Age of Anxiety and Suicide

The mythology of perfectionism in the public eye often comes across as harmless, even endearing.  Sitcoms from “The Odd Couple” featuring the ultra-fastidious Felix Unger to “Modern Family’s” Alex have portrayed perfectionists as quirky but lovable folks who are simply a bit more focused and particular about their environment or work than the average person. […] Read more…

physician suicide

Please Be Aware of the Increasing Rates of Physician Suicide

For many people in the general public, there is an air of invincibility about their physicians. Walking into a doctor’s office seems like a one-way street: a patient comes in with a problem, and their doctor is there to solve it.  But the painful truth is that not only are doctors human, they actually suffer […] Read more…

Healthcare Professionals: Understand The Types Of Suicidal Behavior And How To Best Help Your Patient

This is an incredibly important article for all healthcare professionals. Suicide (and suicidal thoughts/behaviors) are among the most important issues healthcare providers will need to communicate about.  However, the terms we use to describe these behaviors can be confusing, at a time when we must get it right. I found Dr. Rajnish Mango’s writing on how to define and […] Read more…

Suicide Prevention: Know The Warning Signs

It is essential to understand the signs and symptoms of increased suicide risk. I am writing this article because September is National Suicide Awareness & Prevention Month. In future blog posts, I will be writing a series on how to properly open a conversation with someone who is potentially suicidal. I will also discuss how […] Read more…

Suicide Prevention: The Essential Role Played By Health Care Providers

Suicide prevention is possible. Additionally, studies show that health care providers can have a much greater influence on preventing suicide than what is typically understood or assumed. In fact, according to a study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, almost half (45%) of individuals who die by suicide have visited a primary care provider […] Read more…