M9: Suicide Risks – Discussion

In this module we found that suicide is a difficult topic to engage in; however, research suggests that we should not be afraid and work to address this issue head-on. Think about our review on suicide in this module and comment on the following:

1. Consider your personal thoughts or misconceptions about suicide.
2. What did you learn about suicide and its risk that was surprising to you or that alarms you the most?

Be sure to address all required areas are addressed

Minimum 100 word requirement – (no penalty for going over count)

Must respond to at least one peer

Please use chaper 7 to help here is some additinal information

Another important area of concern related to depression is the need to examine and understand suicide risks. According to Sadock and Sadock (2007), Almost 95 percent of all people who commit or attempt suicide have a diagnosed mental disorder. Depressive disorders account for 80 percent of this figure (p. 898). Further, suicide risk is a serious concern for individuals with MDD as the intense pain and suffering may lead to viewing suicide as the only option (Fitzgerald et al., 2019). Unfortunately, thoughts of death, suicidal ideation, or attempts are common (DSM-5).

Review the summary below to better understand both the misinformation and facts about suicide.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness theorizes that since the number of persons who attempt are more than the number who actually succeed, then suicide attempts can be viewed as a desire to end the pain, not their life (see NAMI website).

This suggests we must be proactive to ensure that persons with suicidal ideation receive appropriate resources and services.

High Risk Populations

According to NAMI, there are a number of groups at an increasingly high risk for suicide. Some of the concerns across populations are outlined here:

• Males are at higher risk of death by suicide (75%)
• Transgender – 12 times more likely to attempt suicide (NAMI website, 2020)
• Transgender youth death by suicide for Gay and Lesbian youth is 20-35% (Fitzgerald et al., 2019).
• Lesbian, gay and bisexual youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide compared to straight youth (NAMI website, 2020)
• Death by suicide for all adolescents is approximately 14%
• Persons diagnosed with mental health conditions
• Suicide is highest for persons older than 50 (Townsend, 2016)
• Persons in the Armed Forces and veterans (SAMHSA, 2012)
• Suicide is the second leading cause of death for these diverse populations (NAMI website, 2020)
• American Indian/Alaska Natives, ages 10-34
• African Americans, ages 15-24
• Asian Americans, ages 15-24
• Hispanic people in the U.S., ages 15-34
• Children to young adults, ages 10-24

Resources

National Institute of Mental Health

NAMI –

Resources

We are cautioned to avoid efforts that normalize, glorify, report how-to methods, or other descriptions of suicide that are detrimental. These actions would be highly inappropriate and may increase the risk for suicidal behavior (Satcher, 1999). As such, the 1999 Surgeon General report provided one of the most extensive details on suicide and prevention; this was considered a welcomed call to view suicide as an essential public health problem. The following is a synopsis of the common risk and protective factors for suicide that were identified in the report.

Comparison of Risk and Protective Factors

Risk Factors

(greater potential risk for suicide)

Protective

(reduced potential for suicide)

• Diagnosed with mood disorder or has physical illness
• Effective clinical care for health (mental, physical, substance abuse)
• Feelings of impulsiveness/aggression, hopelessness, isolation/ detached from others
• Learned skills related to problem-solving, conflict resolution, handling disputes using nonviolent means
• Family history of suicide or influence of other significant people (family, celebrities) who have died by suicide
• Appropriate support from family and community
• Previous attempts, access to lethal methods (especially guns)
• Access to lethal methods are restricted
• Refusal to seek help due stigma, other barriers to mental health treatment
• Easy access to treatment and other supports
• Experienced relational, social, work, or financial loss
• Support through medical / mental health network relationships
• Cultural / religious beliefs that it is a noble solution
• Cultural or religious beliefs that discourage suicide and support self-preservation

M9: Suicide Assessment & Safety Protocols

Tools to Assess Suicide

This is an example of a screening tool being used in medical settings, schools, and other settings for depression. It uses 3-4 key questions that can ask these screening questions. See the following from the National Institute of Mental Health

• (includes Brief Suicide Safety Assessment (BSSA), used By Clinicians
• Brief Suicide Safety Assessment (BSSA) if positive screen

Interviewing (Suicidal Ideation and Plan)

Assessing persons at risk for suicide is an important element of the assessment process. Specific questions should be addressed in making determinations regarding imminent risk of attempting suicide.

The DSM-5 identifies those at most risk are individuals

• who have actively put in place a plan in place (wills, settling debt)
• have access to materials for act (rope, gun)
• have chosen a specific location and time

The text further advises on other factors often associated with suicidal risk and the types of strengths-based questions which should be asked (See Corcoran & Walsh, 2020, p.88).

Video Interview to Assess Suicidal Risk

Review this video on the interview questions which should be used to assess suicidal risk:

(4 minutes)

Resources

See these additional recommendations on the types of questions used during an interview to assess persons for the possibility of suicidal ideation or plans.

Critical Thinking:

What are your thoughts regarding the benefits of these processes for suicide screening or assessment to address this health crisis.

Suicide Prevention

Resources

Listed here are some general resources dedicated to suicide prevention.

(Promote hope, healing and help to prevent suicide)