WEA N107 Suicide

2.  30,000 successful suicides
per year
 3rd leading cause of death
for 15-24 yr olds
 Women attempt more than
men
 Men are more successful
than women (70% vs 30%)
 Rates Highest among
white males – across all
ages

3.  Higher rates
further you
move west
 Mountain
states called
the “suicide
belt”
 Possible
reasons why?

4.  Successful
• Women –
“Poison”
Overdose
• Men - Violence
 Unsuccessful
• Men and women
– “Poison”
Overdose

5.  MaritalStatus – Single, Divorced
 Gender – Male
 Race – White
 Age – Positive correlation
 Religion – Protestant/Jewish
 SES – Highest and Lowest
 Race – Caucasian
 Co-Morbidity
• MH D/O
• Substance Abuse
• Insomnia
• Family Hx of SUicide

6.  Psychological
• Anger – self hatred
• Hopelessness – no point in living
• Desperation - helplessness
• Violence - Aggressive personality
• Shame – Avoid public humiliation
• Developmental Stressor – Rejection, Finances
 Sociological
• Egoistic- Isolated
• Altruistic – Sacrifice for the group
• Anomic – event that cause alienation
 Biological
• Genetics
• Neurochemical – Lack of serotonin

7.  Demographics
• High Risk Factors
 Presenting symptoms/DX
• Psychiatric Conditions; Chronic Medical Illness
 Ideations
• Plan? Means? Priors? Hints?
 Support Systems
 Leading Events/Factors
• Crisis combined w/MH D/O
• Increased vulnerability
 Family Hx
 Coping Mechanisms

8.  Diagnosis
• Risk for Suicide
• Violence – Self Directed
• Hopelessness
• Ineffective Coping
 Outcomes
• No physical Harm to self
• Realistic self-growth goals
• Expresses hope
• Demonstrates effective coping

9.  Therapeutic Communication – Interview
data
 Safe Environment
 Contract
 Close Observation
 Medications
 Examine Stressors and Coping
 Talk Therapy
 Positive Reinforcement
 Resources

10.  Supervision
 Contracts
 Safe Environment
 Daily Appointments
 Problem Solving – Crisis Resolution
 Highlight successes
 Medications

11.  Take this seriously/Do not hide
 Share feelings of love, care
concern, desire to help
 Avoid anger, judgment, provokation
 Listen
 Be present
 Partner with seeking professional help
 Safe environment
 Resources – pg 274 - Numerous
• 1-800-SUICIDE

12.  Transcends the immediate loss
 Feelings of guilt and responsibility
 Encourage verbalization – share memories
 Non-Judgmental – no blame/accusations
 Reality orientation – gently discuss
disturbed thought process of the deceased
 Acknowledge the disorganization this
causes and direct towards solutions
 Resources