Condition We Treat

Help for Depression with Suicidal Thoughts in Portland, ME

If you're struggling with thoughts of suicide, you deserve support — and effective treatment exists.

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Understanding Suicidal Thoughts

What Is Depression with Suicidal Thoughts?

Persistent thoughts of suicide or of not wanting to be alive are a symptom of treatable illness — most often severe depression — not a character flaw. Many people experience these thoughts, and reaching out is a courageous first step toward relief.

If you are in immediate danger or think you might act on these thoughts, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to the nearest emergency room now — our clinic is not an emergency service. For ongoing care, rapid-acting treatment with Spravato, alongside psychiatry and therapy, can reduce suicidal thoughts and treat the underlying depression.

Portland Mental Health & Psychiatry reception area in Portland, Maine
Our Portland, Maine clinic
Recognizing the Signs

Common Signs & Symptoms

Everyone is different, and this list is not exhaustive. A licensed clinician can provide an accurate evaluation.

By the Numbers

Suicidal Thoughts in Context

988

the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — free, confidential, available 24/7

FDA-approved

Spravato is approved for depression with acute suicidal ideation or behavior

Rapid

interventional treatments can ease symptoms within days

If you are in crisis, call or text 988 or go to your nearest emergency room. Sources: FDA; National Institute of Mental Health.

Types & Presentations

Understanding Suicidal Thoughts

Passive Suicidal Thoughts

What it is: Thoughts of not wanting to be alive, without a specific plan.

Signs: Wishing you wouldn't wake up; feeling life isn't worth living.

How we treat it: Prompt evaluation and treatment of the underlying depression.

Active Suicidal Thoughts

What it is: Thoughts of ending your life, which need urgent support.

Signs: Thinking about acting on suicidal thoughts.

How we treat it: Call or text 988 or go to the ER now; then rapid-acting treatment and close follow-up.

Depression with Suicidal Ideation

What it is: Major depression accompanied by suicidal thoughts.

Signs: Severe depression plus persistent suicidal thinking.

How we treat it: Spravato is FDA-approved for this; psychiatry and therapy also help.

How We Help

Treatment for Suicidal Thoughts at Portland Mental Health & Psychiatry

When depression brings suicidal thoughts, speed matters. We offer rapid-acting treatment with Spravato, alongside expert psychiatry and therapy, coordinated closely for your safety. This clinic is not an emergency service; if you are in immediate danger, call or text 988 or go to the nearest ER.

Primary Treatment

Spravato (Esketamine)

For suicidal thoughts, we most often lead with Spravato (Esketamine). Explore how it works and whether it's right for you.

Learn About Spravato (Esketamine)

Other treatments we may combine or consider:

Psychiatry & Medication Management Therapy & Counseling
Our Approach

Evidence-Based Care

Our clinicians tailor proven approaches to your needs.

Rapid-acting interventional care

Spravato can reduce suicidal thoughts quickly while other treatments take effect.

Safety-focused psychiatry

close monitoring and collaborative safety planning.

Evidence-based therapy

CBT and DBT skills that build coping tools and reasons for living.

Coordinated support

your care team communicates to keep your plan connected.

Medication Management

Our psychiatrists provide careful, closely-monitored medication management as part of a coordinated safety plan.

Explore Psychiatry
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to the nearest emergency room. These are available 24/7. Our clinic provides ongoing treatment, not emergency crisis response.
Yes. Suicidal thoughts are usually a symptom of treatable illness. Rapid-acting treatment with Spravato, plus therapy and psychiatry, helps many people find relief.
Yes — Spravato is FDA-approved for depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder and acute suicidal ideation or behavior, given under medical supervision.
Never. Our team provides compassionate, judgment-free care. Reaching out is a sign of strength.

References & Resources

Get Started

Reaching Out Takes Courage — We're Here

If you're in immediate danger, call or text 988 now. For ongoing care, contact us for a confidential, compassionate consultation.

Request a Consultation Call (207) 910-6580