Is it confidential if people tell their doctor about having thoughts of committing suicide?

A mental health professional is best to answer your question, but I believe if the doctor believes you are a danger to yourself he/she may take measures to put you in touch with certain lifelines, discuss your situation with a psychiatrist or even start proceedings for a short term commitment to a psychiatric unit depending upon his assessment of the patient& the severity of the depression.

If you have thoughts of committing suicide your doctor needs to make an assessment. If you are in danger of hurting yourself the doctor has a duty to warn to make sure you are in a safe environment. Please have a physical exam to know if these symptoms are due to an illness. If not see a Clinical Psychological with expertise in multiple types of psychotherapy and a Psychiatrist for medication.