Depression:Caring for a Depressed Person

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Depression News and Insights
Sign up for a free weekly email with our most up-to-date information.
Video

"I Asked My Mom to Kill Me"


Download Flash player
In this video, Sally describes life on a suicide watch (:47)
Friends flew in from out of town because they were convinced she would take her own life.

Click the thumbnails below to watch more real stories.

  • Depression Caring Private Time Doctor-Patient Video
    Therapy Is an Outlet
    Single mom needs a place to "spew"
    ( :40 )
  • Depression Caring Recovery Relapse Doctor-Patient Video
    Therapy Gave Her Distance
    It was scary, but it wasn't real
    ( 1:32 )
  • Depression Caring Suicidal Doctor-Patient Video
    Ask If They're Suicidal
    "It won't put ideas in their heads"
    ( 1:36 )
  • Depression Caring Suicide Watch Doctor-Patient Video
    I Was On Suicide Watch
    "Can you kill me?"
    ( :47 )

Share Your Thoughts

Have you ever supported someone who was suicidal?
Read Comments ()
In this video, depression patient Sally describes her brush with suicide. Depression tends to come back, especially if it’s not treated or only partially treated. Sometimes the people who live with a depressed person are better at spotting the signs of a recurrence sooner than the person himself. Increasing isolation is often a clue, as is sadness, expressions of worthlessness or guilt, and sleeping or eating too much or too little. If you’ve seen this pattern before, you know what you’re looking for. This is the time to suggest that the person might want to call the doctor. Self-harm is a real threat. Depression kills, and suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S., according to the National Institute of Mental Health. More than 90% of people who commit suicide have depression or another mental disorder, with or without a substance abuse problem.