Suicide and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury

A set of flashcards designed to review key concepts, definitions, and risk factors related to suicide and non-suicidal self-injury.

Suicidal ideation

Thinking about personal death, wishing to be dead, considering methods of accomplishing death, and creating a plan to carry out the attempt.

Suicide Attempt

Carrying out an act or acts with the intention of death, which may or may not prove fatal.

Suicide

Intentional act of killing oneself by any means; results in death.

SAD PERSONS

A mnemonic for assessing suicide risk, detailing sex, age, depression, previous attempts, ethanol use, rational thinking loss, social support lacking, organized plan, no spouse, and sickness.

High-risk suicide methods

Methods including using a gun, jumping off a high place, hanging, and poisoning with carbon monoxide.

Low-risk suicide methods

Methods including slashing one's wrists, inhaling natural gas, and ingesting pills.

Mental Illness and Suicide

Depression is most associated with suicide; individuals with certain mental disorders like anorexia nervosa and schizophrenia are at greater risk.

Nursing Interventions

Activities focused on prevention, treatment, and postvention in suicide care, including education and support.

Safety plan

A plan developed with patients that includes coping strategies and emergency contacts to reduce suicidal risk.

Hopelessness

The most predictive emotion connected to suicide risk.

Verbal cues for suicide

Statements made by individuals that show overt suicidal thoughts such as 'Life isn’t worth living anymore.'

Covert statements

Subtle indications of suicidal thoughts that may not openly express a desire to die.

Suicide Assessment Five-Step Evaluation and Triage (SAFE-T)

A structured assessment tool that encompasses both risk and protective factors to evaluate suicide risk.

Postvention

Support provided to families and friends after a suicide, addressing feelings of guilt, shame, and loneliness.

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI)

Intentional self-inflicted harm without the intention of ending one’s life, such as cutting or burning.

Therapeutic alliance

A collaborative relationship between the nurse and the patient to foster trust and support in treatment.

Empathy in postvention

Providing understanding and sharing feelings with those affected by suicide.

Suicide prevention hotline

A confidential, 24/7 resource providing support for individuals in crisis.

Community resources

Support networks and groups available to assist individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

Assessment tools

Instruments used to evaluate and monitor suicide risk over time.

Resilience factors

Characteristics that enhance an individual's ability to cope with stress and reduce suicidal risk.

Risk factors for suicide

Elements that increase an individual's likelihood of experiencing suicidal thoughts or attempts.

Protective factors for suicide

Elements that decrease the likelihood of suicide and enhance resilience.

Coping skills

Strategies that individuals can utilize to manage stress and emotional challenges effectively.

Support groups

Gatherings of individuals who share similar experiences to provide mutual aid and emotional support.

Assessment protocols

Guidelines used by nurses to continuously evaluate suicidal risk in patients.

Intent to die

The specific desire or objective of ending one's life.

Emergency intervention

Immediate actions taken to ensure the safety of individuals who are considered at risk of suicide.

Public Health impact of suicide

Suicide as a significant public health issue, affecting diverse populations and leading to numerous preventable deaths.

Survivor guilt

Feelings of guilt experienced by individuals related to the suicide of a loved one.

Triggers for self-injury

Specific events, feelings, or thoughts that can lead an individual to engage in self-harm.

Crisis centers

Facilities offering immediate support and assistance to individuals in emotional distress or crisis.

Documentation in nursing

Recording of assessments, interventions, and patient responses in order to ensure continuity of care.

Recognizing warning signs

Awareness of specific behavioral cues that may indicate a person is at risk for suicide.

Intervention strategies

Planned actions aimed at addressing suicide risk based on assessment findings.

Long-term effects of bereavement after suicide

Lasting emotional impacts experienced by survivors, including increased risk of SI in family members.

Health disparities in suicide rates

Differences in suicide occurrence among various demographic or community groups.