September is a Suicide Prevention Awareness Month – a time to raise awareness of this stigmatized and often taboo subject. It is an opportunity to change public opinion, spread hope and share important information. Our goal is to provide individuals, friends, and families with access to resources and to discuss suicide prevention and seek help, if needed.
Suicidal thoughts, like many mental health conditions, can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, socioeconomic status, or background. We all play a vital role in preventing suicide and saving lives. By providing a special month dedicated to prevention, we can amplify the unique voices of those affected by suicide and let them know that it’s okay to reach out and ask for help.
One way to prevent suicide is to increase access to treatment for depression. However, identifying depression can be difficult. The first step in identifying someone who is depressed and considering suicide is to determine how severe the problem is. Talking to the affected person and asking about their thoughts reduces the root causes of suicide. Recommending a counselor or depression treatment may also help.
Pharmacological intervention can be of significant help in treating underlying mental disorders and the risk of repeated or more dangerous self-inflicted violence. All medications (prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements) used by patients at risk of suicide should be reviewed to ensure effective and safe treatment without adverse drug interactions.
Over the years GCT has gained a great experience of conducting CNS clinical trials in the United States, Central-Eastern Europe and India. We are closely familiar with key opinion leaders in this therapeutic area, as well as experienced investigative sites and patient organizations and we will gladly apply this knowledge to assure the successful completion of your next planned clinical program.