Bruce Cohen, M.D., Ph.D., McLean Hospital
Question: How can I tell when thoughts of harming myself or others are serious enough to get professional help?
Answer: It's not unusual for people to become angry at themselves, or angry at other people -- but if you have an explicit plan to hurt yourself, or hurt somebody else, if you have frequent or continuous thoughts about hurting yourself or somebody else, if you hear voices that tell you to hurt yourself or somebody else, you should seek immediate attention from a health professional or go to an emergency room. If you're not certain whether your thoughts are serious enough to require help, then you're better to go to an emergency room or talk to a professional and have your feelings evaluated.
Next: Can Depression Cause Any Long-Term Medical Problems (Such As Heart Disease)?
Previous: How Often Should I Check In With My Mental Health Professional?
