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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by wanttobhappy on February 4, 2006, at 23:24:03
I always wonder when the doc asks if you have had thoughts of suicide if this count as a yes? When I am midway in a downward spiral Iget that overwhelming feeling of just wanting to sleep till I die, would anyone consider this a thought of suicide? I always say I have negative thoughts but, no thoughts of suicide. Is this the right answer? I know no one can give me a diffinitive YES or NO but any insites would be greatly appreciated. I know it's a little rambly but I think I got my question across.
Good health to all,
wtbhappy
Posted by James K on February 5, 2006, at 1:26:42
In reply to suicidal thoughts?, posted by wanttobhappy on February 4, 2006, at 23:24:03
this is a very negative subject, but I'm going to try to answer. Suicide (wanting to or achieving self death) comes in stages. For me, it comes with the thought that I am unhappy. The next thought might be "I don't want to do this anymore". Next maybe I should kill myself. Most scary is "What if". If you still havent sought help at that point is "how" "when" "should I go all the way?".
Please (for me) and anyone reading this, seek help at the somewhere between I don't want to do this anymore and the maybe I should kill myself stage. Attempts suck for all. Sucess is unimaginable. I've blocked out all the successes in my life and my own close calls. I can't bear it and nobody should have to. If it's in your mind, you are close enough.
I've had periods where the whole concept seemed unreasonable. I treasure those periods.
James K
Posted by pseudoname on February 5, 2006, at 1:49:53
In reply to suicidal thoughts?, posted by wanttobhappy on February 4, 2006, at 23:24:03
I think it would depend on the context the pdoc is asking in, but in any case you can let her decide. Answer, "Well, sometimes I just want to sleep till I die."
If she wants more info, she'll follow up with a more explicit question.
Posted by Phillipa on February 5, 2006, at 19:56:42
In reply to Ask the doc » wanttobhappy, posted by pseudoname on February 5, 2006, at 1:49:53
Good answer I think a lot of us would just like to sleep. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Larry Hoover on February 5, 2006, at 23:02:11
In reply to Ask the doc » wanttobhappy, posted by pseudoname on February 5, 2006, at 1:49:53
> I think it would depend on the context the pdoc is asking in, but in any case you can let her decide. Answer, "Well, sometimes I just want to sleep till I die."
>
> If she wants more info, she'll follow up with a more explicit question.I agree with you that it might not be wise to characterize your own thinking, but instead, to simply reveal it explicitly, but.....
In this age of nearly "drive thru" psychiatry, where time is rationed out sparingly, the pdoc might just be asking for the patient's context. Similar thoughts in different people's heads might have very divergent psychological weight. And a harried shrink might simply go for the easiest question to ask, rather than the most thorough.
I've been thinking this through, as I wrote it, and it seems that I have led myself back to pseudoname's decision. You will serve yourself best by providing examples of your thinking, and drawing your pdoc into discussing them with you.
But getting back to the gist of the original poster's question, I do not believe that wanting to sleep until you die is suicidal. It speaks to despair, though, and ought to be noted in the clinical record.
Lar
Posted by elkat on February 5, 2006, at 23:44:14
In reply to suicidal thoughts?, posted by wanttobhappy on February 4, 2006, at 23:24:03
Wanting to sleep away when being depressed is pretty normal. I always see sleep as an escape from my pain, if I'm depressed I'm bummed out when I wake up.
Posted by wanttobhappy on February 6, 2006, at 0:18:10
In reply to Re: suicidal thoughts?, posted by elkat on February 5, 2006, at 23:44:14
Thanks everyone for your responses. I wasn't trying to sound dark and scary or anything, I always took it as, if I'm sleeping I don't have to deal with the world type thing. I know this is always one of the first symptoms I get when my depression is resurfacing. That is another reason I can't decide wether effexor makes me tired or I'm just my usual depressed self.
Thanks again,
wtbhappy
Posted by Nikita on February 7, 2006, at 9:57:24
In reply to Re: suicidal thoughts?, posted by wanttobhappy on February 6, 2006, at 0:18:10
Great question, and one I think about a lot. I never know what to say either when my pdoc asks me if I have suicidal thoughts. Yes, I think that what I'm feeling is just too much to bear and I'd rather not be here. But, no, I would never do it because I have a daughter that needs me. So I never know what to say, or that he won't take my feelings seriously.
Posted by elkat on February 7, 2006, at 10:14:46
In reply to Re: suicidal thoughts?, posted by Nikita on February 7, 2006, at 9:57:24
There are different stages - there is a great divide between suicidal ideation or "not wanting to be here" and attempting the act itself. Ideation is really just a common sign of serious depression. Your doctor is not going to throw you in a padded cell just because you confess this lousy and embarrassing feeling. Get honest, get treated, get better.
This is the end of the thread.
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