Mental Health Issues
Mental Health Issues & Lyme Disease
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255
CAUTION
Some people who die by suicide
Do not show any warning signs
Untreated depression is the
Number one cause for suicide
Infections affecting the brain can cause a person to experience a variety of mild to severe signs and symptoms. Lyme and tick borne disease infections are no exception.
A recent study by Dr. Robert Bransfield, an early pioneer and Lyme literate expert, estimates there are approximately 1,200 deaths from Lyme related suicides each year in the United States. Source
Support From The Lyme Community- Lyme disease support group leaders are volunteers working to assist people as they are able (not on call 24/7). None of them are formally trained to advise, handle or treat mild to severe depression or psychiatric issues. Professional avenues of support should be explored immediately if someone is having emotional or mental health issues.
It doesn’t matter if the person at risk has Lyme disease or any other condition when it comes to requiring help for depression, anxiety or any mental illnesses. A Lyme patient dos not need to seek out Lyme literate professionals in this case.
The most important steps to take are to enlist the help of a trained psychiatrist or psychologist ASAP, and have the person in need treated until stable. Other medical conditions can be addressed once that is accomplished.
If the person requiring assistance has a Lyme treating health care professional you can call their office for a referral. They should have a list of who they refer their patients to for psychiatric intervention and treatment, and they should be notified of the current situation.
The articles below were written by individuals trained in the field of mental health and Lyme disease. The authors have graciously shared their clinical findings and vast experiences to assist those experiencing mental health issues. For their continuing efforts, caring and compassion, we are very grateful.
