Specialist on Self-Inflicted Death: "We could prevent numerous self-inflicted deaths!" - Expert advocate: "Numerous suicides could be averted with appropriate measures!"
Coping Strategies and Prevention of Suicide: Expert Insights
By Verena Carl
In an exclusive interview, a specialist in suicide prevention sheds light on potential measures that could mitigate the number of suicide cases.
"We have the power to prevent many suicides," said the expert, discussing various strategies for handling and preventing suicide.
Personal and Community Interventions
One effective method is the "Caring Letters Model," sending supportive letters to individuals who have endured a suicidal crisis. The practice has been shown to lessen suicide deaths, fostering a sense of care and connection [2]. Social support plays a crucial role as well. Strong connections with friends, family, and community members can act as a barrier against suicidal thoughts. Cultural and religious beliefs that discourage suicide additionally contribute to this protection [3].
Developing coping and problem-solving skills can further assist individuals in managing stress and emotional turmoil [3].
Professional Interventions
In emergencies, it is vital to take immediate action, which includes safeguarding access to potential lethal means and involving emergency services when dealing with acute suicidal ideation [5].
Utilizing evidence-based tools such as the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) can help identify those at risk at an early stage [5].
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) have proven effective in addressing suicidal thoughts [5]. In cases of severe depression and suicidal ideation, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics may be employed. However, close observation of these treatments is essential [5].
When necessary, mental health professionals should recognize when a patient requires specialized psychiatric diagnosis and collaborate with psychiatry and primary care services to improve outcomes [5].
Resources
Numerous suicide prevention programs exist throughout the United States, such as the Maine Suicide Prevention Program [1]. Training and education resources are also available to instruct medical professionals, such as nurse practitioners, on identifying and managing suicidal behavior [5].
Hotlines and support groups are crucial for those in crisis, offering immediate help and continuous care for those struggling with suicidal thoughts or bereaved by suicide [4].
As the expert pointed out, by combining personal care, community involvement, and professional interventions, we can effectively cope with and deter suicide.
Embracing evidence-based interventions like the Caring Letters Model, which lessens suicide deaths, and fostering strong connections within communities can serve as crucial coping strategies [2]. In professional settings, implementing tools such as the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) can aid in early identification of at-risk individuals [5]. Moreover, employing treatments like Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) can prove vital in managing suicidal thoughts [5]. Incorporating science, particularly in the realm of health-and-wellness and mental health, plays an essential role in suicide prevention.
