As social workers, we do a lot. Our main goal is to help individuals deal with social, emotional, and behavioral struggles. In our role as agents of change, we face several challenges, and our presence and words can profoundly impact the decisions individuals make. If you haven’t heard of someone who has spoken of, attempted, idealized, or died by suicide, hang around.
Besides gaining knowledge about preventative measures, we also need to understand the mindset and thinking capacity of those who experience emotional deficiency. Not everyone who has thought of, attempted, or died by suicide wants to die. In reality, they wish to end the pain. There is indeed no magic wand or way to eliminate pain, but there are several things we can do to minimize its effects. To begin, it is essential to understand the risk factors. Research shows the following as being pertinent risk factors:
• History of previous suicide attempts
• Family history of suicide
• History of depression or other mental illness
• History of alcohol or drug abuse
• Stressful life event or loss (e.g., job, financial, relationship)
• Easy access to lethal methods
• History of interpersonal violence
• Stigma associated with mental illness and help-seeking
When we know the risk factors, we can intervene and provide individuals with the necessary skills to deal with these issues. Additionally, we can implement protective barriers to decrease the likelihood that they will act upon their thoughts. Research has identified the following factors as being prominent protective factors in preventing suicide:
• Skills in problem-solving, conflict resolution, and nonviolent ways of handling disputes
• Effective clinical care for mental, physical, and substance abuse disorders
• Easy access to various clinical interventions and support
• Family and community support (connectedness).
• Cultural or religious beliefs that discourage suicide and support seeking help
Finally, knowing the warning signs of suicide is crucial. The warning signs include feeling hopeless, threatening to hurt oneself or talking about dying, increasing alcohol and drug use, and withdrawing from friends and family. If you want more information about the causes of suicide and prevention techniques, visit the American Association of Suicide.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or visit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
RESOURCE: https:/www.cdc.govfeaturespreventingsuicide/index.html