Cases of suicide have been on the rise among the youth in the US. This has been blamed on the use of drugs and stress. A person considers suicide when there seems to be no other way to solve the problems and the pain of a stressful life. Regular visits to a psychiatrist can help keep your emotional and mental health in top-gear to help you overcome everyday challenges. Here is what Dr. Ronald P. Winfield and his team at Greater Lowell Psychiatric Associates, LLC wants you to know about suicide.
Symptoms of Suicidality
Suicidal symptoms vary as some people would clearly express their intentions while others may keep it a secret. Regardless these are some of the symptoms you should be keen on identifying:
- Making suicidal statements such as “I wish I were dead” or “I’m going to kill myself.” Such statements should not be taken lightly.
- Having a plan and acquiring the means to take one’s life, for example, searching the internet for ways to die, getting a gun, a rope, writing a suicide note, or buying pills.
- Increased alcohol and drugs consumption
- Personality changes for example wanting to be alone: This is a sign for those that are usually extroverted but suddenly begin withdrawing themselves from social constructs.
- Mood swings: This is a sign of emotional instability
- Feeling stressed and trapped about a situation
- Engaging in risky behaviors like reckless driving, crossing the street without caring to see if there are vehicles
- Saying goodbye to people and giving back their belongings as if you are never going to see them again
Causes of Suicidality
Suffering from depression, especially severe depression can make you vulnerable to getting suicidal thoughts.
Suicidality is a mental condition and therefore, can be genetically inherited. In case you have a family history of suicide, be keen to notice the symptoms mentioned above.
Treatment of Suicidality
At Greater Lowell Psychiatric Associates, LLC, you will go through a series of depression and suicidality screening to determine your condition’s severity. Your doctor will then review your medical and family history to identify whether the condition is genetic. He then uses ketamine therapy for treatment.
How Ketamine Helps in the Treatment of Suicidality
Ketamine usually works by blocking the chemicals in your brain that are responsible for causing depression. It is a lifesaver in emergencies, where it is used to provide relief from depression and suicidal thoughts. This is because it works fast and its effects can be felt within only a few hours. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may recommend additional follow-up care. However, ketamine provides long-lasting results.
What you Should Expect when Getting Ketamine Therapy for Suicidality
After a thorough physical and medical evaluation, your doctor will discuss the type of ketamine therapy to be administered. The proper dosage will be administered in the treatment room and your symptoms monitored in the following few hours. Ketamine can have anesthetic effects, which is why regular check-ins are essential to evaluate your mental state and other side effects like dizziness or nausea. Multiple treatments are recommended for the best results.
Do not allow the challenges of life to wrestle you on the ground. Schedule an appointment at Greater Lowell Psychiatric Associates, LLC to start your ketamine therapy.