If everyone stopped taking their anti depressants would the suicide rate go up or down?

Question

For lyrapullman's benefit I am not just curious. I have been there, got the T-shirt, recorded over the video and done my group hugs.

Answer 1

What a loaded question and one that is not for the uninitiated. Treading on very dangerous grounds, you make it sound so matter of fact. What is your reason for asking? Please don't say you were just curious.

Sorry iposhrat, I was concerned that it might be one of the many morons that make their way to answers and have a hidden agenda when they ask seemly innocent questions.

I also have worn that T-shirt and have first hand knowledge of taking anti-depressants and would say that they do help, providing you find the one that is right for you. I was on venlofaxine and the side effects were just horrendous. I was then prescribed Setraline Another SSRI but so different to Venlofaxine. The point I am trying make is if I had stopped taking the Venlofaxine when I was on it, I would now be just another statistic, so it is vital to find whats right for you. I am still on Setraline and I may never come off of them I was prescribed them when I had surgery that when wrong and I left with very bad depression.

I am so very sorry to hear that you have a Son with CP, and whilst you obviously love him to bits it must be so very hard to see him cope with his condition. Though I have to say that when I was a practising careers advisor one of my clients had CP but he achieved so much in his life. He holds a masters degrees in English Literature and a Phd in Scottish History. He is now married and has a young daughter.. what an inspiration this young man is to us all. So please try not to give up hope and all the very best Iposhrat.

PS To answer your question I think that sucides would go up if people stopped taking their anti depressants especially if they did so without first taking advice on the best way to come off them. That is by gradually decreasing the dose under medical supervision, otherwise the withdrawal symptoms can be unbearable and can lead to devasting consequences.

I could go on and on about the subject of mental health and the attitude of people towards those of use who suffer from the side effects of mental health problems. And the lack of government funding in the area of mental health I think is a national disgrace.

Answer 2

I'm afraid the suicide rate would more than likely increase however antidepressants are no wonder drug they only work to lift the depression slightly it is unfortunately various kinds of therapists and a strong will to live that treats depression and suicide best.also antipsychotics work better than antidepressants as they calm you down more. if someone is that intent on dying they will find a way no matter what medication you give them. sorry.

Answer 3

It would go up and then down, I think, because as people sank back into their previous depressed states, they would not have the motivation to commit suicide, but coming off of their medication would affect their mental status to the point that they might be in the throes of withdrawal and still be energetic enough to kill themselves.

Answer 4

Up. I'm not saying anti depressants are good for everyone, but some people really need them to function.

Answer 5

Anti Depressants don't work

Answer 6

I would imagine up, I can't function properly without anti-depressants, because I suffer with clinical depression.

Answer 7

UP.. some people are sooo depresed that they would go and kill themselves... but either way anti-depressants is still a drug and could kill if used often..so it's the same

Answer 8

not necessarily no if people had a good support group depending on there level of depression a good chat can help just as much

Answer 9

That's a very good question.....I don't think many people would be getting out of bed that's for sure.

Answer 10

Would be going down.