"A 2016 study found that almost half of people who try to kill themselves do so impulsively -- roughly a quarter considered their actions for less than five minutes. This doesn’t give anyone much time to notice something is wrong and step in; but mental health providers perpetuate the narrative that suicide is preventable, if patients and family members follow the right steps. As doctors, we want to help people, but our tools are limited. Antidepressants may seem like an obvious solution, but only about 40% to 60% of patients feel better. One in 10 Americans uses antidepressants, there is very little convincing evidence to show that they reduce suicide,because many of the problems that lead to suicide can’t be fixed with a little extra serotonin. Antidepressants can’t supply employment or affordable housing, repair relationships with family members or bring on sobriety."
At www.nytimes.com
