Suicide The Basics

Suicide An In Service Module by Christopher Skinner All Rights Reserved

Aims of Session At the end of this session the learner will understand what is suicide, why and how it occurs and what can be done to prevent suicide.

Suicide Definitions Suicide is a Mental Health Emergency Suicide is killing one’s self Infanticide is killing one’s offspring Patricide is killing one’s father Homicide is killing another human Fratricide is killing one’s sibling

Causes Depression and Anxiety Loss and Grief Substance Dependence, especially Alcohol and Amphetamines Other Mental Illness Gambling War, Famine, Poverty, Disaster Changes in body image

People More men than women succeed at suicide but more women attempt suicide Affects all age groups but is higher in the younger and older adults Affects all ethnic groups but tends to be highest in Caribbean and Africans and least in Chinese and Japanese Higher amongst Dentists, Psychiatrists, Veterinarians and Farmers

Methods Overdose Carbon Monoxide Hanging Gunshots Cutting Throat Jumping Purposeful Car/Train accidents

Co Morbidity People often suicide when under the influence of drugs, including alcohol Amphetamines, especially Methylamphetamine, (Ice, Shabu, Crystal) are implicated in many suicides in the 18-30 age group.

Incarceration People who are jailed or detained have higher rates of suicide and suicide prevention is a major role of Primary Health Care Staff employed in Correctional and Detention Facilities

Artists Rock stars, Poets, Actors, Painters and Writers are all known to be prone to suicide – often there is a co-morbid substance dependency. Examples are Keith Moon, Brian Jones, Janice Joplin, Jimmie Hendrix, Marilyn Monroe, Vincent Van Goth

Prevention Recognition of the person at risk of suicide, those who are depressed, have suffered severe loss, including loss of freedom, or who have severe chemical dependencies, especially alcohol, amphetamines and opiates. Some people with terminal illness or severe intractable pain.

Prevention Mental health Promotion and Education Alleviation of poverty Involuntary admission for identified “at risk” patients Close observation of new receptions at correctional and detention facilities and after sentencing for serious crimes

Infanticide Occurs in women with post partum depression and puerperal psychosis Child(ren) may need to be removed whilst mother is ill.

Treatment Admission to a Mental Health In-patient Unit Management of underlying causes, be they depression, drug dependence, gambling – or psychic trauma related to loss, loss of job, loss of spouse (including separation and divorce) Psychiatrist Consultation

Suicide Risk In depression, when the person starts anti-depressants, after the first 7 days the risk of suicide may be increased as the person may be more motivated to act on their ruminatory thoughts of suicide.

Warning Signs Person talks about wanting to die, or end it all – hints they might “go away” on a long trip Persons finalising their affairs Persons who isolate themselves and change their normal patterns of behaviour or cut off friendships Previous History of attempts Women in violent relationships

Warning Signs Adolescent girls who are isolated or have suffered sexual abuse, especially incest, Usual method is Paracetamol Overdose (Panadol, Panamax, Tylenol) 29 x 500mgs tablets of Paracetamol can be fatal.

QUESTIONS?