Suicide / Suicidality
In Brief
“People who die by suicide don’t want to end their lives; they want to end their pain.” ~ Unknown
Therapy Options
DBT, CBT, CAMS (Collaborative Assessment and Management…). TMBI (Teachable Moments…)
Quotes
“If you are looking for a sign not to kill yourself, this is it.” ~ Unknown
“In suicide we take our pain, multiply it by ten and hand it to others.” ~ E. Greitens
“Suicide doesn’t end the chances of getting worse, it eliminates the chance of getting better.” ~ Unknown
“When you feel like giving up, just remember the reason why you held on for so long.” – Unknown
Suicide / Suicidality Resources
Websites / Hotlines
Afsp.org
suicidology.org
sprc.org
thetrevorproject.org
Movies
Life is Beautiful
Ordinary People
The Teacher
Suicide Room
The Shawshank Redemption
Midnight in Paris
Books
Psychological Approaches to Suicide…
~ D. Jobes, et al.
Choosing How to Live…
~ T. Ellis, C. Newman
Therapy Pros
Crisis/Change focus. Stabilization-oriented. “Suicidal Mode,” emphasis. Guided imagery.
Therapy Cons
Underdiagnosed. Discrimination. Stigma. Shame. Cost. Substance abuse.
Tip(s)
Golden Gate Bridge Survivors: Those who were spared, experienced instant and profound regret upon jumping.
Assessment
Intent
“Which is more important, dying or making the pain end?” ~ Z. Rodriguez
Ideation
Frequency, intensity, duration
Plan
Timing, location, lethality, availability, preparation
Behaviors
Past attempts, aborted attempts, fantasies
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Call: (800) 273–8255
Warning
Suicidality is contagious. There are pro-suicide websites.
Survivors / Victims
In Brief
Survivors experience suffering, stigma, shame, extreme guilt, isolation, confusion, anger, resentment.
Quotes
“There is no tragedy in life like the death of a child.” ~ Dwight David Eisenhower.
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal.” ~ Unknown
Tips: Younger children are especially vulnerable to repetition compulsion.
Client / Therapist
Client:
“My son shot himself, and my husband hates me.”
Therapist:
“Before assigning blame, we need to conduct a ‘psychological autopsy.’”
Survivors / Victims Resources
Websites
Allianceofhope.org
Sprc.org
Save.org
Afsp.org
Elunanetwork.org
Movies
Surviving
The Bridge
Double Suicide
Girl Interrupted
Last Day
Ordinary People
Books
After Suicide Loss…
~ J. Jordan, B. Baugher
Black Suicide…
~ A. Kirk
Dying to be Free…
~ B.Corbain, J. Larch
Therapy Pros
Confronts/supports utter devastation. “What if?” PTSD. Flashbacks.
Therapy Cons
Shame. Stigma. Isolation. “Death Wish.”