If you are the health care provider or simply a friend who watches over someone at risk for suidide, you need to watch for signs for suicide during home treatment.Especially when the suicide threat becomes real (but never disregard it even if the patient seems to be joking about it, people have uniqe personalities), or the seyptoms become more severe or frequent. These symptoms can be verbal statement of the person’s plan to “go away”, alcoholism, withdrawal from society, abrupt aggression or seclusion, or giving away of valued possessions.

Suicide can be prevented. While some suicides occur without warning, most do not. You can learn to recognize the warning signs of suicide and take action when the signs are present. Take action to evaluate your suspicions if you think that someone you know is considering suicide.

Here is something you can do to somehow prevent the person from hurting himself:

The warning signs of suicide change accross the age spectrum. Know the warning signs of suicide:

Warning signs of suicide in older adults, such as the recent death of a partner or diagnosis of a life-limiting illness

Warning signs of suicide in adults, such as alcohol or substance abuse, recent job loss, or divorce

Warning signs of suicide in children and teens, such as preoccupation with death or suicide or a recent breakup of a relationship

Some helpful tips:

Follow up to find out how the person’s treatment is going. A suicidal person may be reluctant to seek help and may not continue with treatment after the first visit with a health professional. Your support may help the person decide to continue treatment.

Once again, take all warning signs seriously, even if the suicidal threat or attempt seems minor. Take any conversation about suicide seriously, even if the person mentions it in a joking manner.

Be willing to listen. If a family member, friend, or coworker talks about suicide or wanting to die or disappear, even in a joking manner, the conversation must be taken seriously. Once you know the person’s thoughts on the subject, you may be able to help prevent a suicide.

Discard all prescription and nonprescription medicines that are not currently being used.

Help the person make arrangements to see a doctor or mental health professional immediately.

Don’t be afraid to ask “What is the matter?” or bring up the subject of suicide. There is no evidence that talking about suicide leads to suicidal thinking or suicide.

Remove all guns from the home. Guns were used in about half of suicides committed in the United States during 2001. Studies have shown that suicide attempts are more likely to lead to death in homes that have a gun, even if the gun is kept unloaded and securely locked up.

Despite that you may find a treatment plan that is somehow effective at relieving your depressive state, never stop looking for the best treatment there is. People who find treatment that completely relieves symptoms have less chances of having a relapse of their depression later on. That’s why it’s important to be patient and not settle for a treatment that isn’t fully effective. Moreover, keep trying different treatments if your current treatment causes untolerable or bothering side effects.

Nonetheless, if the conventional ways for managing the mental illness which utilizes medications and psychotherapy haven’t been doing any better for your treatment-resistant depression, you may want to consult with a psychiatrist who specializes in treatment-resistant depression to discuss these additional treatment options.

These treatment regiman may include any of the following.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation. With this treatment, magnetic fields are used to alter brain activity. A large electromagnetic coil is held against your scalp near your forehead to produce an electrical current in your brain.

Vagus nerve stimulation. This treatment uses electrical impulses with a surgically implanted pulse generator to affect mood centers of the brain.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). In ECT, electrical currents are passed through the brain to trigger a seizure. Although many people are leery of ECT and its side effects (such as confusion or amnesia), it typically offers immediate relief of even severe depression when other treatments don’t work.

Increasing your dose. Because people respond to medications differently, you may benefit from a higher dose of medication than is usually prescribed. Discuss with your doctor whether this is an option for you. Don’t alter your dose on your own.

Trying a medication longer. Antidepressants and other medications for depression typically take four to eight weeks to become fully effective and for side effects to ease up. For some people, it takes even longer for medication to work, so it helps to be patient.

Augmentation. Augmentation means taking an antidepressant along with a medication generally used for another mental health condition. It may take some trial and error since there are numerous medications for use in augmentation, including anti-anxiety medications, anti-seizure medications, mood stabilizers, beta blockers, antipsychotics and stimulants. The downside of augmentation is that some of these medications may cause bothersome side effects or require periodic blood tests.

Taking L-methylfolate. This prescription supplement provides a form of the B vitamin folic acid, which is necessary for the production of neurotransmitters in the brain linked to mood. Taking this supplement may help with depression if you lack the enzymes to properly break down folate from foods or from standard folic acid supplements.

Switching. Switching to a new medication is common when an antidepressant doesn’t work effectively. Each person responds to medications differently. In nearly 1 in 3 people, the first antidepressant tried doesn’t work at all. You may need to try several antidepressants before you find one that works. You may switch from one antidepressant to another in the same class. Or, you may switch from one class of antidepressants to another.

Having the cytochrome P450 (CYP450) genotyping test. This test checks for specific genes that affect how your body uses antidepressants. It can help predict whether your body can or can’t process (metabolize) a medication. This may help identify which antidepressant might be a good choice for you. There is some evidence that other tests for certain genes that regulate the neurotransmitter serotonin may help predict if you’re likely to respond to a serotonin antidepressant. These genetic tests aren’t widely available, so they’re only an option for people who have access to a clinic that offers them.

Combination. In the combination approach, different classes of antidepressants are prescribed at the same time. That way they’ll be more likely to affect a wider range of brain chemicals that affect mood. For instance, you may take both a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor. Or you may combine an older antidepressant such as a tricyclic antidepressant with an SSRI. Regardless of the specific medications, the goal is to target several kinds of neurotransmitters at once, including dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine.

If you have undergone medical treatment against depression but your symptoms haven’t fully got any better, you may have treatment-resistant depression. Drugs and psychotherapy work for more than half of the cases. But unfortunately, there is this treatment-resistant depression wherein standard treatments don’t help much or don’t help at all.

On this treatment-resistant depression, symptoms — such as feeling sad, hopeless and disinterested in activities — still linger despite medical attention. Or, in some cases, your symptoms improve only to keep coming back. Treatment-resistant depression can either be mild to severe, and generally requires trying a number of treatments to find out what can actually give better results.

Why is there treatment-resistant depression?

Similar to the rest of the forms of depression, treatment-resistant depression is most likely caused by a combination of inherited and environmental factors that affect brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. A lot of factors can contribute to treatment-resistant depression, and these can be:

Another mental health diagnosis. It’s not always easy to diagnose depression, and other mental health disorders may require different treatment. In particular, some forms of bipolar disorder are commonly misdiagnosed as depression if manic phases are mild. In many cases, depression occurs along with other conditions — such as panic disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder — which can make depression more difficult to treat. Ask your mental health provider whether your symptoms may be caused by bipolar disorder or linked to another mental health condition.

Not taking medications exactly as prescribed. Treatment may not work if you stop taking your medication, skip or lower a dose, or forget to take a dose. Many people get off track. This can happen for a number of reasons, including problems with side effects, thinking you don’t need medication or that you don’t need a full dose of medication because you feel better, or simply forgetting. If you do stop taking your medication, forget to take a dose or make other changes, be honest with your doctor about it so that you can address any problems and get back on track.

Emotional stress. If you’re feeling stress or anxiety because of situations in your life that aren’t getting better, medications alone might not help. Examples include relationship issues, financial problems or inadequate housing. In addition, childhood abuse or neglect can continue to affect you throughout adulthood. Psychotherapy can be especially helpful in coping with stressful situations.

Underlying health problems. Other medical conditions or illnesses can sometimes mimic or worsen depression. These include thyroid disorders, chronic pain, anemia, heart problems, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse or addiction.

Depression affects all people, regardless of sex, ethnicity, race, or socioeconomic background. But then, females are up to three times more likely to suffer from depression than males. Experts disagree on the reason for this difference. Some cite differences in hormones, and others point to the stress caused by society’s expectations of women.

The mental illness can take place wherever continent accross the globe. It is only the pattern of symptoms that can vary. The rate of depression in other areas varies widely, from 1.5 percent of people in Taiwan to 19 percent of people in Lebanon. Some health experts think that methods of gathering data on depression account for different rates.

A number of large-scale studies indicate that depression rates have increased worldwide over the past several decades. Furthermore, younger generations are experiencing depression at an earlier age than did previous generations. Social scientists have proposed many explanations, including changes in family structure, urbanization, and reduced cultural and religious influences.

The symtpms of depression:

Symptoms of this mental illness can vary depending on the person’s age. In young kids, depression may include physical irritablity, as well as pshysical manifestations such as as stomachaches and headaches, as well as restlessness, “moping around,” wanting to be alone, and changes in eating appetite.

They may feel less excited about school and other activities they usually enjoy. In teenagers, common symptoms include either too much of sleep or insomnia, sad mood, and lack of energy. Older people with depression usually complain of physical rather than emotional problems, wherein sometimes leads doctors to misdiagnose the illness as a physical one rather than a mental condition.

If depression is left untreated, a major episode of the illness typically lasts eight or nine months. Around 83 to 87 percent of people who experience one bout of depression will experience future episodes.

To the family and friends of those who are depressed and may plan to sommit suicide, here are some helpful tips.

You may be able to help someone who is considering suicide.

Take note that if the suicide threat seems real, and the person has a specific suicide plan. What you have to do right away are:

Dial 911 (or the police if 911 is not available) in order to stop the person from carrying out the threat.

Consider your own safety. Are you in a safe environment and the person will not harm you?

Never leave the person all by him or herself. You can request someone you trust to stay with the person, until help arrives.

Don’t argue with the person or make statements like “It’s not as bad as you think,” and don’t challenge the person by saying “You’re not the type to commit suicide.” Arguing with the person may only increase his or her feelings of being out of control of his or her life.

Talk about the issue as openly as possible. Tell the person that you don’t want him or her to die or to harm another person. Show understanding and compassion.

If you think that he or she has made a suicide plan, call your health professional at an instant.

Your health professional may be able to help identify a mental health specialist and arrange an appointment for a person you think is thinking about commiting suicide. An appointment with your health professional may not be needed in some cases.

If in some cases you are not able to talk with your health professional, call your local suicide hotline or the national suicide hotline which is (1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-273-TALK or 1-800-273-8255).

After a treatment plan has been laid out, you may be able to assist the person get the help he or she needs.

As a person who is aware of that, you have to watch out for those signs before he carries out his plan of hurting and killing himself. Aside from those signs above, there are other signs that you have to watch out as well. On the other hand, ff you are that person who is planning to commit suicide, you have to be aware of it and you need to seek help right now. To be more aware, ask yourself if you have the following symptoms that can lead you to hurt yourself. Ask yourself if you have:

Feelings of depression or sadness

A sleep problem

An alcohol or drug (substance abuse) problem

If a visit to a health professional cannot be done immediately, read on to know what to do to help yourself. This is on home treatment.

Home Treatment

If you are thinking about suicide, open up your pent up feelings and thoughts to someone. It will no dobt make you feel better. It never fails. It is important to remember that there are people who are willing and able to talk with you about your suicidal thoughts. With proper treatment, most suicidal people can be helped to feel better about life.

People for you to consider talking with include:

A family member, friend, or pastor or a church counselor.

Your health professional, such as a doctor, a nurse or counselor.

Other mental health resources, such as a community mental health agency or employee assistance program.

Your local suicide hotline or the national suicide hotline (1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-273-TALK or 1-800-273-8255).

As mentioned, depression is an illness that causes an individual to feel sad and hopeless much of the time. It is different from normal feelings of grief, sadness, or low energy, as these things are usually temporary and it is a universal emotion or feeling.

But in the same manner, anyone, but not all, can have depression that requires medical help. This is often inherited from the bloodline. But it can also happen to someone who doesn’t have a family history of depression. You can have depression one time or many times.

If you think you may be depressed, dont let it get worse and set aside a time to consult a psychitrist. There are good treatments that can help you enjoy life again. The sooner you get treatment, the sooner you will feel better.

What are the origins of depression?

The causes of depression are not well expalined. Things that may cause depression to set in can be:

Drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs.

Major events that create stress, such as childbirth or a death in the family.

Certain medicines, such as steroids or narcotics for pain relief.

Illnesses, such as arthritis, heart disease, or cancer.

These and other factors can cause certain brain chemicals called neurotransmitters to get out of balance. As soon as the imbalance is medicated, symptoms of depression generally fade and you will begin to feel better.

What are the symptoms?

Depression can cause a wide range symptoms in different people, and they may be hard to notice at first. For example, a child may seem grouchy and irritable. An older adult may be forgetful. If you think a loved one is depressed, learn more about what symptoms to look for, and urge the person to get help if needed.

Individuals who are depressed experience the following:

Lose interest in things they enjoyed before they were depressed.

Complain about problems that don’t have a physical cause, such as headache and stomachache.

Have changes in their eating and sleeping habits.

Think and speak more slowly than normal.

Have feelings of guilt and hopelessness, wondering if life is worth living.

Have trouble concentrating, remembering, and making decisions.

Think a lot about death or suicide.

A lot of these symptoms can cause a problem with a patients quality of life. If you have had a few of these symptoms for the last couple of weeks, talk to your psychiatrist. You may have depression that calls for a medical treatment.

What major depression can do is that it can almost totally impair an individual’s ability to function in social situations and at his job. Patients with major depression often have feelings of worthlessness, despair, thoughts of committing suicide and most commonly a sense of hopelessness.

Depression can take several other manifestations. In a bipolar kind of depression, which is also known as manic-depressive illness, a patient’s mood swings back and forth between depression and mania. People with seasonal affective disorder typically suffer from depression only during autumn and winter, when there are fewer hours of daylight.

There is this another form called dysthymia (pronounced dis-THI-mee-uh). In dysthymia, patients feel very sad, have low self-esteem, and concentrate poorly most of the time—often for a period of years—but their symptoms are not that worse as compared to major depression. But then, there are some patients with dysthymia that sometines experience episodes of major depression. Mental health professionals or Psychiatrists use the word clinical depression to refer to any of the above forms of depression. It is a general term for any type of depression.

Research has revealed that people commonly view depression as a sign of personal weakness, but psychiatrists and psychologists view it as a real illness. In the United States, the National Institute of Mental Health was surprised to found out that depression costs society many billions of dollars year after year. You may ask how, remember that depression can affect the person’s performance or interest in his job, so the monetary loss is mostly due to lost work time.

How is Depression being treated?

Unlike any diseases that we know, Depression, being psychologic in origin, typically cannot be cured at an instant by any drugs or willed away by teh person concerned. An episode must therefore run its course until it weakens either on its own or with treatment. Depression can be treated effectively with antidepressant drugs, psychotherapy, or a combination of both.

Even though there is wide availability of effective treatment, a lot of depressive disorders go undiagnosed and therefore not managed. Research show that general physicians fail to recognize depression in their patients at least half of the time. Moreover, a lot of physicians and patients view depression in old people as a normal part of aging, even though treatment for depression in geriatric people is usually does work well.

Escitalopram is an antidepressant classified in a category of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This anti depressant drug works on chemicals in the brain that may have become unbalanced. These neurotransmitter imbalances can be the reason why the person can become anxious or depressed.

Escitalopram is used to medicate major depressive illensses as well as any forms of anxiety attacks.

This SSRI as a drug itself may also be used for other reasons that may not be mentioned in this article.

You should know the details to discuss with your healthcare provider before taking escitalopram.

Just as with every medical consultation, if is a must for your own safetey that before administering a dose of escitalopram, you should inform your psychiatrist if you are allergic to any medications. It is also important to mention to him or her if you have the folowing conditions that is contraindicated with the use of Escitalopram:

seizures or epilepsy;

a history of drug abuse or suicidal thoughts.

bipolar disorder (manic depression); or

liver or kidney disease;

If you have any of these health problems, the psychiatrist may have to do a dose adjustment or special tests before you can safely take escitalopram.

Your caregivers as well as your signioficant others should also be alert to changes in your symptoms or level of depression. Your physician will need to examine you at regular visits for at least the first 12 weeks of Escitalopram therapy.

Escitalopram can pass into breast milk and may harm a baby who is taking breast milk. Do not take this medication without telling your psychiatrist if you are lactating or breast-feeding a baby.

Like any SSRI, it always a rule never to take escitalopram together with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as phenelzine (Nardil), isocarboxazid (Marplan), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), rasagiline (Azilect), or tranylcypromine (Parnate). You must wait 15 to 30 days after stopping an MAOI before you can take escitalopram. Likewise, after you stop taking escitalopram, you must wait at least 15 to 30 days before you start taking an MAOI.

It is not a safe practice to try and purchase escitalopram on the Internet or from sellers outside of the United States. Drugs that are being sold from Internet sales may be adulterated or contain dangerous ingredients. It is not safe because it may not be distributed by a pharmacy that is licensed. Samples of escitalopram that are being sold via the web market have been found to contain haloperidol (Haldol), a strong antipsychotic drug with ill side effects.