Depression is a complex and varied mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While the symptoms can vary, many forms of depression share one particularly serious risk: suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
Recognizing the signs early—and knowing how to respond—can save lives.
Understanding the Different Types of Clinical Depression
There is no one-size-fits-all diagnosis for depression. Mental health professionals distinguish between several types of depressive disorders, each with its own specific criteria and course of treatment. These include:
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Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
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Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
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Bipolar I, Bipolar II, and Cyclothymic Disorder
(Each includes depressive episodes as part of the diagnosis) -
Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
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Treatment-Resistant Depression
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Peripartum (Postpartum) Depression
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Psychotic Depression
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Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
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Situational Depression
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Atypical Depression
Each of these may involve different symptom profiles, timeframes, and severity levels. That’s why accurate diagnosis requires not only referencing the DSM-5-TR, but also attentive listening, behavioral observation, and clinical insight.
The Link Between Depression and Suicidal Thoughts
One common symptom across nearly all depressive disorders is suicidal ideation—thoughts about ending one’s own life. While not everyone who has these thoughts will act on them, every instance should be taken seriously.
Mental health professionals are trained to assess for suicide risk, often using tools like the SLAP framework:
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Specific – Is there a specific plan?
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Lethal – Is the method potentially deadly?
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Available – Does the person have access to the means?
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Proximity – Are they isolated from others who could intervene?
When a person shows all four risk factors, the risk of suicide is considered high.
In addition to SLAP, clinicians may use other standardized suicide risk assessments to determine the urgency and type of intervention needed. It’s always better to overreact than underreact when it comes to someone’s safety.
Warning Signs That Someone May Be Suicidal
Suicidal ideation often goes unnoticed because people may mask their distress. But there are behavioral and verbal cues to watch for, including:
Verbal Indicators
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Expressing hopelessness or helplessness
(“What’s the point?” or “Things will never get better.”) -
Talking about being a burden
(“You’d all be better off without me.”) -
Saying goodbye in unusual or overly emotional ways
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Mentioning death or suicide, even in a joking manner
Behavioral Changes
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Withdrawing from family, friends, or social activities
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Giving away prized possessions or making final arrangements
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Increased use of alcohol or drugs
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Engaging in risky or impulsive behavior (e.g., reckless driving)
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Canceling commitments or future plans
If your loved one is suddenly calm after a period of intense depression, this could also be a red flag—they may have made a decision to follow through with a suicide plan.
What to Do If You Suspect Someone Is Suicidal
When someone you care about shows signs of suicidal thinking or behavior, trust your instincts and take immediate action.
Steps You Can Take:
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Ask directly:
It’s okay to ask, “Are you thinking about ending your life?” This does not increase the risk—it actually opens the door for honest conversation. -
Listen without judgment:
Avoid minimizing their feelings or offering overly simple solutions. Instead, listen with compassion and let them know they’re not alone. -
Remove access to means:
If possible, make sure they do not have access to weapons, medications, or other tools that could be used in a suicide attempt. -
Stay with them:
If their risk seems imminent, do not leave them alone. Remain with them or ensure someone else can stay with them until help arrives. -
Get professional help immediately:
Call a crisis line, reach out to a mental health provider, or take them to an emergency room.
Suicide Prevention Resources
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
For 24/7 free and confidential support, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
Other helpful resources include:
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Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
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National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): nami.org/help
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The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ youth): 1-866-488-7386
Final Thoughts: Take Every Sign Seriously
Suicidal ideation is a medical emergency, not a character flaw. Many people who consider suicide feel alone, misunderstood, or too ashamed to ask for help. Your support and intervention could be the turning point that saves a life.
If you’re unsure what to do, talk to a mental health professional. At 3Cs Counseling Center, we are here to help—whether you’re seeking support for yourself or for someone you love.
Don’t wait. If you notice the warning signs, reach out. One conversation can change everything.
