Dr. Hibberd's answer:

 

Depression is a medical condition that increases the risk for suicide and suicidal thoughts. Hospitalization is almost always required in cases where suicidal thoughts exist. The best treatment enlists your family and friends.

 

Treatments depend on the category of depression patients suffer from. Some need simply counselling, with some benefitting from CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy). But some cases of depression are best treated with so-called SSRI drugs such as Zoloft, Prozac, and others, which are generally safe for most people.

 

Bipolar depression typically requires a more aggressive treatment that may include a short hospital stay, the use of mood stabilizers, such as Depakote or Lithium, and then adding an antidepressant, while patients remain under close supervision. Mental health specialists have expressed concerns that some antidepressants can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts, particularly in adolescents, but many experts note that it’s unclear if such thoughts are brought on by the drugs or the underlying depression.

 

That’s why it’s important for any mental health condition to be treated and closely monitored by a doctor.