Understanding Suicide: Risk Factors & Perspectives

• Suicide is defined as one taking their own life, originating from the Latin phrase meaning "one's own killing".
• Suicide is a behavior, not a mental health diagnosis.
• Cultural, religious and societal factors influence suicide.

Cultural and Religious Perspectives

• Many religions view suicide as a sin, impacting beliefs and decisions.
• Cultural attitudes toward suicide vary, affecting community responses to at-risk individuals.
• Empathetic care for those in crisis requires understanding diverse perspectives.

Risk Factors

• High-risk populations include American Indians, Alaska Natives, military members, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
• Mental illness, substance abuse, social isolation, and exposure to violence increases suicide risk.
• A complex landscape forms due to the interplay of these risk factors.

Legal & Ethical Considerations

• As of 2022, physician-assisted suicide is legal in 10 states and D.C.
• Physician-assisted suicide is legal in CA, CO, HI, ME, MT, NJ, NM, OR, WA, and VT.
• Ongoing debates continue in many state legislatures about the legality of physician-assisted suicide.
• Whether suicide can be a rational act is debated, as many see it as irrational with its association with mental illness.
• Ethical considerations include autonomy in end-of-life decisions versus potential coercion or abuse.
• These ethical dilemmas should be understood by providers when discussing options with patients.

Epidemiology

• Suicide affects individuals across all ages, ethnicities, and locations.
• Statistical data provides insights into suicide rate trends and demographics.
• Epidemiology understanding can help identify at-risk populations and tailor interventions.

Etiological Factors

• Biological, psychological, and social factors are all involved
• Mental illnesses like depression and bipolar disorder often correlate with suicidal behavior.
• Traumatic experiences and chronic health conditions can contribute to suicidal ideation.

Ancient Perspectives

• Suicide in ancient Greece was considered an offense against the state.
• Individuals who committed suicide were denied burial in community sites.
• Civic duty and the collective superseded the individual in their culture.

Ancient Rome

• Suicide was sometimes seen as an escape from humiliation or abuse.
• The acceptance of suicide in certain contexts highlights the varying moral frameworks.
• Cato the Younger exemplified this by choosing suicide over capture.

Medieval to Renaissance Views

• Suicide was predominantly viewed as selfish or criminal during the Middle Ages.
• Individuals were denied cemetery burial, and their property was confiscated.
• Perception of mental health shifted significantly during this period, disregarding underlying issues.
• A philosophical shift allowing more open discussions took place during the Renaissance period.
• Exploration in literature/philosophy began, but condemnation existed, indicating a changing societal attitude
• The complexities surrounding suicide and mental health received groundwork for future discussions.

Philosophical and Legal Developments

• Most philosophers during this time period viewed suicide as a moral failing.
• Recognition of the connection between suicide and mental disturbance began.
• Recognition of mental health issues in discussions of suicide gradually shifted.
• Suicide remained illegal in England until 1961.
• The decriminalization of suicide in Ireland in 1993 changed societal attitudes noticeably.
• Sensitive terminology has been advocated for, prompting legal perspectives on language.

Religious Perspectives

• Most major religions consider suicide a sin against God.
• Religions include Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism
• The Catholic Church opposes suicide and teaches it opposes the proper love of self and God.
• Historically stigma has been produced complicating discussions about mental health.
• Compassionate approaches are being advocated for by some religious leaders
• Churches should encourage discussions to reduce stigma according to Byron (2016)
• Aiming to replace 'committed suicide' promotes a supportive environment.

Suicide Statistics in the United States

• 45,979 people died by suicide in the U.S. in 2020
• The statistics marked a decline from increasing rates between 2000-2018.
• Potential change in public health dynamics are indicated by the decline.
• The CDC provides annual data for understanding these trends.
• Males exhibit 3-4x higher suicide rates compared to females.
• In 2020, 63% of cases involved firearms with 27% involving suffocation.
• Firearms became the primary means of suicide for females in 2020.
• Incidence among females aged 10-24 has increased which indicates a concerning trend.
• Male suicide rates are high among those over 75.
• Unique challenges might lead to higher suicide rates in older adults.
• Suicide was the 12th leading cause of death across all ages in the U.S. in 2020.
• It was previously 10th in 2019 due to the impact of COVID-19 and other health issues.
• COVID-19 has significantly influenced statistics, overshadowing previous trends in suicide rates.

Suicide Attempts & Contemplation

• Approximately 12 individuals attempt suicide for every suicide death.
• Statistics often reflect those who have sought treatment and actual numbers may be much higher.
• Understanding is complicated because many contemplate suicide without action.

Public Health Implications

• Steady increase from 2000-2018 has positioned suicide as a public health concern in the U.S.
• Mental health is critical, preventive measures are critical for reducing suicide levels.

Military Suicide Rates

• Military had previously indicated resilience compared to rates of the general population.
• Suicide rates among military post-2015 marks a growing crisis which requires urgent attention.
• The Iraq War onset showed more soldiers died by suicide than combat (2010 and 2011).
• Suicide rose 16% among active duty/veterans from 2019-2020 reaching 28.7 per 100,000.
• These statistics emphasize the need for ongoing research/interventions to address mental health.
• Research is aimed at identifying effective strategies for suicide prevention and risk.
• Ensuring military receive efficient care is prioritized by ensuring evidence-based treatment happens.
• Supported by Substance Abuse/Mental Health Services Admin, the Zero Suicide movement eliminates suicide in healthcare.
• The 'Zero Suicide' movement focuses on collaboration among nation organizations to develop evidence based strategies.
• Systemic changes on how mental healthcare is delivered is emphasized by the movement.
• Many assumptions about suicidal individuals are not supported by evidence.
• Distinguishing myths/evidence is essential to foster a more accurate understanding of suicide risk.
• Effective efforts occur by addressing misconceptions which leads to more effective communication.

Myths vs. Facts

• Myth #1: People who talk about suicide do not act on their ideas
• Fact: 8 of 10 people have given warning signs and subtle clues may be ignored
• Myth #2: You cannot stop a suicidal person
• Fact: Most suicidal people are ambivalent
• Suicidal ideation and risk fluctuates

Suicide Risk Factors

• Suicide risk factors are statistically correlated elements that increase the likelihood.

• Comprehensive assessments should consider both factors, as well as warning signs.

• Understanding these helps with prevention strategies.

• Risk factors are long-term and conditions that elevate risk. Warning signs are immediate indicators.

• Mental illnesses and substance abuse are risk factors, wanting to die or feeling hopeless are warning signs.

• Both are needed to asses and intervein effectively.

Marriage

• Marital status is a significant demographic with risk varying based on what relationship.
• Divorced men are twice as likely to die compared to their married counterparts.
• Single individuals with low income are more likely to face suicide risk.
• Studies reveal Kposowa (2000) challenging some prior assumptions in showing no significant effect on widowed status.
• Naess et al. (2021) indicates highest risk for unmarried associates with demographics like low education.
• Divorce or widowhood elevate risk (Roškar et al. 2011, Yamauchi et al. 2013) within the first years of change.

Life Changes

• Divorce can trigger increased suicidal thoughts.
• Men seeking less assistance may worsen feelings of isolation or be seen as a social support issue (isolation).
• Networks are important for experiencing suicidal thoughts, seeking help should be supported.
• Engaging with connections mitigate loneliness, open communication is also necessary.

Gender

• Women attempt more, but men attempt more, but men succeed significantly less.
• This points to a completion rate due to difference in what is used.
• Methods differ by gender, women using less lethal methods.
• Some factors that contribute to elevation are mental health disorders.
• Men are more likely to engage in disorder.

Treatments

• Notable risk if receiving it/inpatient treatment.
• Post few weeks should have support in care.
• More risk for vulnerable for women is more likely.
• Effective follow ups reduce risk.

Age Correlation

• The highest risk is men.
• Rates for females increase in cdc reports.
• 75 show consistently showing high death, 35-64 account for most suicides.
• The factors that increase can include major disorder. A study by Reyes indicated anger can effect suicide risk.
• Lower children show 10 in lower studies.
• Emerging research (Duar and Mcguiness).
• 33 children.
• Sexually explicit can occur.

Suicide and Religion

• There are aspects but may help in the other way around.
• May have some impact as shown by lawrence et al.

What is the importance and definition?

• Suicides risks are related at the time of death.
• Are at leat 10x lower and at least 10 times that may occur.
• May occur for something simple, but at any level is dangerous,
• May increase risk for certain times.

Some points

• Is about all thoughts and actions (IS Path war,).
• Need to assess severity by saying: How is this, how this.
• Should be aware about any time of suicide

What are you feeling?

• May indicate if they may be giving personal items away!

Explore the multifaceted topic of suicide, distinguishing it as a behavior influenced by cultural, religious, and societal factors. Delve into the diverse perspectives on suicide and the significant risk factors, including mental health and social determinants. Gain insights into the legal and ethical considerations surrounding physician-assisted suicide in various states.