Suicide, Parasuicide, Assessment and Prevention
Suicide, Parasuicide, Assessment and Prevention is organized by E Care Behavioral Health Institute.
Overview:
Suicide is defined as the intentional taking of one’s own life and comes from the Latin word suicidium, which means “to kill oneself.” Parasuicide, a form of attempted suicide, is an attempt to take one’s life that does not end in death. Globally, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death, with over 800 000 people dying each year by suicide. Suicide and parasuicide can occur at any point in the lifespan, and in some countries, suicide is the leading cause of death among young people ages 15–24 years.
Rates of completed suicide are higher in men than women—with men being up to four times more likely to kill themselves than women. According to the Center for Disease Control, male deaths represent about 79% of all suicides in the United States of America, and firearms are the most lethal means of suicide, accounting for over 50% of suicides in the US. However, the rates for non-fatal attempted suicide are four times more likely in women than men and are more common in young adults/adolescents. Suicide attempts are influenced by a range of risk factors including the person’s history (e.g., abuse victim, previous attempts, mental illness) and current mental state (e.g., depression), current external stresses (e.g., recent divorce, financial problems), access to the means of self-harm (e.g., firearms, poisons, medications), and the individual’s access to protective factors such as family or peer support.
The ability to recognize and effectively intervene with suicidal individuals is one of the most challenging aspects of public health intervention. This presentation is designed to increase awareness of suicide and to equip participants with information and skills to respond to a person considering suicide. Participants will gain a broader understanding of suicide as a national and worldwide issue.
Objectives:
• Define mental health, suicide, parasuicide, and other suicide-related behaviors;
• State key global and national statistics on suicide;
• Explain how suicide rates differ between men and women;
• Discuss how suicide differs among special groups in the United States such as adolescents, LGBTQ youths, Native Americans, and military veterans;
• Explain the leading causes and pathophysiology of suicide.
• Perform a thorough assessment of persons at risk for suicide;
• Discuss effective strategies for suicide prevention.
Additional details will be posted as soon as information is available.