User:Cooks2/sandbox

Article evaluation Cooks2 (talk) 08:34, 22 January 2018 (UTC)

the article I've chosen to work on is suicide prevention.

The TALK section suggested adding a section on intervention at the individual level as well as for the general population. I would like to add information about suicide as a public health issue and discuss the different approaches various governments are taking to combat it. Cooks2 (talk) 04:01, 5 February 2018 (UTC)

Some edits I plan to make to the article: Suicide prevention occurs at the level of the general public as well as at the individual level. Signs that an individual intends to commit suicide may be accidentally overlooked but when they are recognized, it is possible to get help. While suicide is non-discriminating, there are certain risk factors that put individuals at a higher risk of suicide. There are a wide variety of treatments for people who have experiences suicidal ideation or attempts. Research into suicide prevention is still ongoing.

From the National Institute of Mental Health: signs that someone may plan to commit suicide

Being aware of the warning signs of suicide can allow individuals to direct people who may be considering suicide to get help. Some signs that someone plans to commit suicide include: -discussing a desire to die or commit suicide -feelings of depression -devising a way to kill oneself, and acquiring the means -strong feelings of pain, either emotional or physical -considering oneself burdensome. -increased use of drugs or alcohol -isolating oneself from others -increasing risky behavior

Risk Factors for suicide Suicide is complicated and there are many factors that lead to it. The more common risk factors are: mental health issues or substance use past suicide attempts family history of mental health issues or substance use inter-family violence easy access to weapons exposure to suicidal behavior

Gender and age are also factors in suicide risk. Women attempt suicide more often than men do but men die by suicide more frequently. Women between 45 and 64 have the greatest rate of suicide compared to women younger then 45 or older than 64, while men over 75 or more likely to commit suicide than younger men.

From the American Foundation for Suicide prevention In the United States, men die by suicide 3.75% more often than women In 2016, white men made up 70% of succesful suicides. in 2016, the age group with the most suicides were adults between and 54 years old. The next group to die most by suicide are adults older than 85.

From the Suicide Prevention Resource Center some factors that decrease a person's risk of attempting suicide are: -proper mental health care - a sense of belonging -good problem solving -a set of beliefs that do not allow suicide

Impact of Suicide The average suicide attempt costs $1.329,553. This ammount consists of lost productivity following the suicide as well as medical treatment

Effective Prevention Cooks2 (talk) 20:40, 17 February 2018 (UTC)

Effective Individual Prevention The first step to preventing an individual's suicide is noticing the need for help and following up by connecting the person with care. This includes making plans to reconnect with the individual again, provide information about resources, and connect the person with the proper professionals.

Treatment Care plans for suicide prevention should be based in scientific research. It is also important that people who need help receive the care they need promptly.

From Psychology Today

Historically, suicide prevention has focused on treating the underlying mental health issue that causes suicidal thoughts. Instead, recent research suggests that suicidality should be directly addressed. Dialectal Behavioral Therapy is one possible treatment for suicidal ideation. DBT teaches the client how to accept and manage their emotions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy draws on the same basic premise as dialectal behavior therapy by trying to teach clients skills to cope with their emotions. Research has shown that suicidal clients have difficulty using the skills they have acquired when they are suicidal. To remedy this, the therapist will induce a suicidal state so that the client can demonstrate their ability to access their coping skills, with their therapist present in case they struggle. Cooks2 (talk) 17:53, 19 February 2018 (UTC)

From Newsweek Suicide Contagion A larger than normal amount of suicides in an area over a short amount of time is known as a suicide cluster. While a sense of belonging and connection to other people typically reduces the risk of suicide, in some cases it can create a contagion. Suicide can be spread simply by knowing someone who died by suicide or by hearing about a suicide.

Previous research done in the 1970s suggested that a suicide impacted the six people closest to the person who died by suicide. However, more recent reseach indicates that an individual suicide impacts 135 people. Additionally, when someone dies by suicide the people who knew them become twice as likely to have suicidal thoughts, when compared to the rest of the population. Cooks2 (talk) 18:44, 19 February 2018 (UTC)

What you can do if you suspect someone is suicidal The first step in helping someone who is suicidal is noticing the warning signs. Some of the signs are listed in this article. It is important to take it seriously when someone mentions suicide. The next step is to say something if you are concerned. Start a dialogue with the other person. During this conversation, show that you care for the other person and listen to what they have to say. Do not judge what they are saying. Do not judge them, argue, offer to keep that they are suicidal a secret and do not try to offer them advice. If it seems that the person may be at risk of attempting suicide, it is important to call a local crisis line, or take the person to emergency care. Next, it is important to help them establish care with a mental health professional. Cooks2 (talk) 04:17, 20 February 2018 (UTC)