CONCLUSION

Suicide—the deliberate ending of one’s own life—is an important public health concern around the world. Many complex factors contribute to a person’s decision to die by suicide, including biologic, psycho-sociocultural elements, and adverse life events. One important thing to consider is that most people are ambivalent about dying by suicide. They are caught in a situation from which they see no way out but to end their lives. This ambivalence is important, as it is the starting point at which an effective intervention can occur.

It is imperative that healthcare professionals learn the skills necessary to effectively screen and assess for suicide risk so they are equipped to refer their patients for appropriate interventions. These skills include:

  • Recognizing who is at risk, especially those who may be at high risk in the near future
  • Learning how to communicate openly with those suspected to be at risk
  • Responding to the needs of persons who are having suicidal ideations by appropriately referring them to professionals who can effectively manage their treatment
  • Providing suicide prevention education to others

RESOURCES

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Ask Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ)

Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)

National Strategy for Suicide Prevention (National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention)

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
988 or 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255)
866-833-6546 Teen Link
741741 Crisis Text Line

Suicide prevention (National Institute of Mental Health)

Suicide resources (CDC)

Veterans Crisis Line
800-273-8255 Press 1
838255 Text Line

Veterans Self-Check Quiz

Washington State

Suicide prevention (WA State DOH)

Washington suicide hotlines

Washington Suicide Prevention Resource Center

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