In one large study, where multiple studies were combined, being on an antidepressant was associated with a very small increase (4% vs. 2%) in having suicidal thoughts or behaviors. This compared people taking an antidepressant to those taking a placebo. Nobody in these studies died by suicide. Therefore, we believe it is possible to have a brief increase in suicidal thoughts in a very small number of people. This does not mean that people should not be treated with antidepressants. It does show how important monitoring is when someone begins antidepressant treatment. What is very clear is that not being treated for depression is highly associated with death from suicide. Overall, there is a much greater risk of suicide from not being on antidepressants if you need them.