Dealing with depression and suicidal thoughts

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Unfortunately, suicide is a very real risk for people who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia. If you experience suicidal thoughts yourself, there are a number of things you can do to tackle them. The most important action is to be open and confide in other people you trust or talk to a trusted health professional. If the thoughts are associated with depression, delusions or other symptoms, then a change in medication may help to get rid of them. Keep a list of people who you know you can telephone when you have suicidal thoughts. Also keep the numbers of 24-hour services that deal with these issues (Shine can give you a list of numbers). Make an agreement with one or more people that you will call them if you actually plan to attempt suicide. Remember that you do not have to act on your thoughts and that with time they will pass.

Document Title	Schizophrenia Ireland Life Hope: Suicide Prevention Project
Source	Schizophrenia Ireland
Details	More Info
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Document Title	Supporting Life: Suicide Prevention for Mental Healthcare Service Users
Source	Schizophrenia Ireland
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Link Title	National Suicide Review Group
Description	This web site is intended to provide information about suicide prevention in Ireland. The NSRG operates under the following terms of reference: to review trends in suicidal behaviour; to co-ordinate research; and to make recommendations to the Health Board Chief Executive Officers.
Link	Click here to visit the site
Link Title	Samaritans
Description	Samaritans is available 24 hours a day to provide confidential emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide.
Link	Click here to visit the site