Suicide Flashcards
What percentage of suicide attempts are due to overdose?
70-90%
What percentage of overdoses are “successful”?
2-11%
What are the top two causes of death in 15-24 year olds?
- Accidents
2. Suicide
What precipitates most adolescent suicide attempts?
Interpersonal conflicts (relational conflict)
Pneumonic for Warning Signs of Suicide
IS PATH WARM
What does IS PATH WARM stand for?
I: ideation S: substance abuse P: purposelessness A: anxiety T: trapped H: hopelessness W: withdrawal A: anger R: recklessness M: mood change
QPR in Suicide Prevention
Q: question
P: persuade
R: refer
Suicide form of CPR
What is the intention of QPR?
Offer hope through positive action
Types of Direct Verbal Clues
"I've decided to kill myself" "I wish I were dead" "I'm going to commit suicide" "I'm going to end it all" "If (such & such) doesn't happen, I'll kill myself."
Types of Indirect Verbal Clues
“I’m tired of life, I just can’t go on.”
“My family would be better off without me.”
“Who cares if I’m dead anyway”
“I just want out”
“I won’t be around much longer”
“Pretty soon you won’t have to worry about me”
Behavioral Clues of Suicidal Patients
Any previous suicide attempt
Acquiring a gun or stockpiling pills
Co-occurring depression, moodiness, hopelessness
Putting personal affairs in order
Giving away prized possessions
Sudden interest or disinterest in religion
Drug or alcohol abuse, or relapse after a period of recover
Unexplained anger, aggression, and irritability
Situational Clues of Suicidal Patients
Being fired or expelled from school
A recent unwanted move
Loss of any major relationship
Death of a spouse, child, or best friend
Diagnosis of a serious or terminal illness
Sudden unexpected loss of freedom/fear of punishment
Anticipated loss of financial security
Loss of a cherished therapist, counselor, teacher, or pet
Fear of becoming a burden to others
Tips for Asking the Suicide Question
If in doubt, don’t wait, ask the question
If the person is reluctant, be persistent
Talk to the person alone in a private setting
Allow the person to talk freely
Give yourself plenty of time
Have your resources handy
Less Direct Approach on Asking the Suicide Question
“Have you been unhappy lately?”
“Have you been very unhappy lately?”
“Have you been so very unhappy lately that you’ve been thinking about ending your life?”
“Do you ever wish you could go to sleep and never wake up?”
Direct Approach to Asking the Suicide Question
“You know, when people are as upset as you seem to be, they sometimes wish they were dead. I’m wondering if you’re feeling that way too?”
“You look pretty miserable, I wonder if you’re thinking about suicide?”
“Are you thinking about killing yourself?”
How to Persuade Someone to Stay Alive
Listen to the problem
Suicide is the problem, it’s the solution
Do not rush to judgement
Offer hope in any way
Top 3 Referral Methods
- Take the person directly to someone who can help
- Getting a commitment from them to accept help, then make arrangements to get that help
- Give referral information & try to get a good faith commitment not attempt or complete suicide
Big Four Risk Factors for Suicide
Past suicide attempt
Diagnosis of mood disorder
Increasing use/abuse of alcohol or drugs
History of self-harm
Suicide Signs Specific to Adolescents
Volatile mood swings Sudden change in personality Indications they are in unhealthy, destructive, or abusive relationships Sudden deterioration in hygiene Self-mutilation Fixation with death Eating disorders Gender identity issues Depression
Suicide Signs Specific to the Elderly
Stockpiling medications
Purchasing a gun
Giving away money or possessions
Sense of urgency to settle estate or finalize will
Taken sudden interest or loss of interest in religion
Failure to care for themselves in terms of ADLs
Withdrawing from relationships
Failure to thrive
Medical appointments for vague symptoms
Chronic issues of pain management
Undiagnosed depression
