Exam 2 Chapter 11 Suicide Prevention

Definition of suicide

o   Suicide is not a diagnosis or a disorder; it is a behavior.

o   More than 90% of patients have a psychological disorder

What to do FIRST when a client has a specific suicide plan and means

Place a client on suicide precautions with 1:1 observation

Assess for any injuries or safety issues

Priority outcomes for clients hospitalized for suicide attempts

Keeping them safe

PRIORITY interventions to keep clients safe

Place client suicide precautions with 1:1 observation

Secure room

Window locked

Break proof glass and mirrors

Plastic flatware

No

·       Cords, phone, extension equipment, curtains.

·       Belts

·       Matches or cigarettes

·       Sharps/razors

Frequent observation

·       Staff communication

·       Develop a therapeutic relationship

·       Written behavior contract and patient

·       Restraints as ordered

·       Medication as ordered

o   Monitor and restrict visitors

Warning signs of suicide

o   Talk

Experiencing unbearable pain

Being a burden to others

Talk about killing themselves

Having no reason to live

Feeling trapped

o   Behavior

Withdrawing activities

Increased use of alcohol or drugs

Acting recklessly

Looking for a way to kill themselves, such as searching online for materials or means

Isolating from family and friends

Sleeping too much or too little

Visiting or calling people to say goodbye

Giving away prized possessions

Aggression

o   Mood

Depression

Loss of interest

Rage

Irritability

Humiliation

Anxiety

What could potentially happen when clients start to feel better?

They can have the energy to carry out their suicide plan

Ways family can support a suicidal client

o   Take any hit of suicide seriously

o   Do not keep secrets

o   Be a good listening

o   Express feelings of personal worth to the client

o   Know about suicide intervention resources

o   Restrict access to firearms or other means of self-harm.

o   Acknowledge/accept the person’s feelings

o   Provide a feeling of hopefulness

o   Do not leave him or her alone.

o   Show love and encouragement

o   Seek professional help

o   Remove children from the home

Do not judge or show anger toward the person or provoke guilt

Risk factors for suicide

IS PATH WARM

Ideation, substance abuse, purposelessness, anger, trapped, hopelessness, withdrawal, anxiety, recklessness, mood.

Marital status

Single 2X married

·       Divorced (men)

·       Widow/widower

Gender

Women attempt more, but more men succeed

·       Men choose more lethal methods.

Transgender

·       41% lifetime risk of attempt

Age

Risk increases with age, especially with men

White men older than 80 years are at the greatest risk of all age, gender, and race groups.

Religion

Religious practices decrease the risk

Socioeconomic

Highest and lowest social classes are at a higher risk

Ethnicity

Whites are highest risk

Psychiatric illness (90%)

Mood and substance use disorders

Hospitalization for psychiatric illness

Also

Chronic illness

Family history of suicide LGBTQ+

Loss of a loved one

Having attempted suicide before

Money troubles

Bullying

Severe insomnia

Alcohol and barbiturates together

Schizophrenia

Psychosis with command hallucinations