Module 3.4: Self-harm and Suicide

Question 1

define self-harm

Answer 1

the term self-harm is a generic phrase that is used to describe a wide range of self injurious behaviours.
Typically intentional, direct injury of body tissue, without suicidal intent.

Question 2

Define suicide

Answer 2

the voluntary and intentional act of ending ones life

Question 3

Define suicidal ideation

Answer 3

is when one has thoughts or plans of harming or killing oneself.

Question 4

Outline the term ‘predisposing causes’ of suicide and self-harm

Answer 4

Social:

• Family history of self-harm / suicide
• Abuse as a child
• Homelessness
• Physical illness

Psychological:

• Family history of MI
• Emotional regulation, impulse control, low self-esteem

Interpersonal:

• Conflict
• Relationships
• Poor problem solving skills

Question 5

Outline the term ‘precipitating influences’ of suicide and self-harm

Answer 5

Social:

• Bereavement
• Divorce
• Significant financial problems
• Assault

Psychological:

• Mental Illness (depression, psychosis)
• Substance abuse/misuse

Interpersonal:

• Stressful situations
• Relationship breakdown

Question 6

Outline the term ‘perpetuating factors’ of suicide and self-harm

Answer 6

Social:

• Bullied
• Unresolved housing, financial, employment
• Available lethal means

Psychological:
* Intoxication = negative thinking, not taken seriously

Interpersonal:

• Unresolved conflict
• Difficulty communicating feelings

Question 7

List the risk factors for suicide (13)

Answer 7

• History of MI or chronic illness (Incl. family history)
• Previous episode of self-harm / attempted suicide
• Being single, divorced or widowed
• Male, (age) < 25-45, or > 85yrs
• Unemployment (length of time) + age
• Indigenous heritage
• History of prison incarceration
• Recent life stressors (i.e. having a mental illness)
• Substance abuse problem
• Expressing hopelessness, helplessness, excessive guilt
• Poor physical health
• High incidence rate in rural areas

Question 8

define ‘suicide risk assessment’

Answer 8

Process by which health professionals estimate a person’s short, medium, long-term risk for suicide; is an attempt to predict the likelihood of event.

Question 9

what are the 6 aims of a suicide risk assessment?

Answer 9

1) measure seriousness of self-harm /suicide intentions
2) establish ‘means’
3) Underlying issues causing distress (Why)
4) determine future risk of harm
5) Identify strengths
6) Identify supports

Question 10

What is the purpose of suicide risk assessment?

Answer 10

• To determine a person’s intent and level of risk

* Level of risk determines type of care and management (hospital vs community)