[jdswain]

A while ago I had a problem with anxiety and basically panic attacks. Back then I didn't know how to deal with this, so eventually when it got too much I asked for help. I went to a doctor and the first thing they asked about was suicide. I thought, well, I hadn't really considered that, but now that you mention it, it's probably something I should think about. I wasn't suicidal, so I guess it didn't matter, but it sure does make you think about it when everyone is asking you. Overall though I think it is better to ask about it, because you really do need to know. I've heard though that a lot of people that do commit suicide are good at hiding things from people, even their family may not be aware that something is wrong, so even asking that question is not sufficient. When I hear about people committing suicide, I often think why didn't anyone help them. Often the truth is that nobody was aware, that's sad in it's own way, but it does show that a lot of people can keep these things to themselves.

The next thing I felt about the suicide question was that it was a way of categorising people. If they considered suicide, then they need immediate help, otherwise it's no so important, so offer them some pills, refer them to counselling (which was offered to me with a 4 month waiting list, that was not a lot of help). The pills weren't what I needed anyway, so I didn't really get a lot out of going to see the doctor. Talking to your family about it is a really important step though.