WORKING WITH THE PERSON WHO IS SUICIDAL PP learning obj

Question 1

 Discuss the epidemiology of suicide

Answer 1

Suicide is a global problem with approx 1 million deaths world-wide each year
World-wide rate of suicide has increased by 60% since 1950. Suicide is now among the 3 leading causes of death among those aged 15-44

Question 2

 Explain the suggested causative factors related to suicide

Answer 2

Crisis e.g. recent bereavement, relationship break up, issues around sexual identity, loss of employment, legal problems, increased substance abuse, major changes in circumstances like homelessness.

Question 3

 Identify the risk factors, precipitating factors and protective factors for suicide

Answer 3

SAD
PERSONS
ESACAPE [mnemonic]

S – SEX More males die by suicide but more females attempt suicide
A – AGE Highest risk groups are those ages by 15-24years and over 60years
D – Depression Present in as many as 70% completed suicides
P – Previous attempt 10-20% those who have made a previous attempt will die by suicide

N – No spouse People who live alone are divorced or separated, recently bereaved
S – Sickness 25-70% of people who died by suicide had a debilitating medical illness and a concurrent mental illness

Question 4

 Explain the nursing role in caring for the suicidal person

Answer 4

Assess for suicide risk – Suicidal idetation, suicide plan – do they have the means to carry this out and a plan have they set a date?
Assess mental state – assess frequently and regularly, be sensitive to changes in the persons mental state, collect objective and subjective data
Promote safety – being with people, fosters the therapeutic relationship, promoted participation in living. Minimise environmental hazards, level of observations, ongoing monitoring and documentation of mental state and suicide risk.
Explore precipitants – work with person to reframe situation, build on persons strengths, identify effective coping strategies.
Promote alternative coping strategies

Question 5

 DO’s and DONT’s when nursing someone who is suicidal

Answer 5

DO
Act immediately if there is a risk and ensure safe environement for yourself and others
Be aware of my own reactions and feelings – keep within my role
Provide opportunities for the person to speak openly

DON’T
Dismiss threats of suicide or self harm
Be judgemental or dismissive towards the person
Agree to keep a persons suicidal ideation a secret