Suicidal thoughts
When people think about depression, one of the first things that come to mind is suicidal thoughts. While it is true that this is a symptom we should take very seriously, the truth is that not all patients with depression must have suicidal thoughts to be diagnosed as such. What’s more, it would be better to diagnose patients before these thoughts start to appear in their minds.
At some point of the disease, depressed patients may have a tendency towards self-harm and suicidal ideations. At first, they might be only thoughts and vague or occasional thinking. But as the problem goes unresolved, they might start cutting themselves, making non-lethal injuries in their bodies, or frequently considering the possibility of killing themselves, having a plan and even an attempt to do so.
This is an alarm sign, and even ideation without a course of action should be taken seriously. If you or any close relative or friends has expressed the idea or performed any type of self-harm, it is important to ask your doctor and get the appropriate professional assistance to rule out any distressing possibility.