Mental Health and Suicide Intervention – Pre-Read PDF (Lesson 4.1)

OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 4.1...

OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 4.1 Mental Health and Suicide Intervention – Pre-Read Lesson Aim: The learner will be able to recognise the signs and symptoms of distress and intervene to help persons in mental health distress or at risk of suicide Introduction Learning Outcomes: When dealing with instances of persons in On successful completion of the lesson, mental distress or at risk of suicide there is a students will be able to:- balance to be struck between the rights and freedoms of the individual and the responsibility of the relevant authorities to 1. Identify the signs and symptoms that may care for that person, whilst maintaining the indicate a person may be in mental safety of the wider community in line with the distress or at risk of suicide principles described in the Human Rights Act 1998. The Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 is founded upon a set of principles which are compatible with those of the Human Rights Act. Article 5(1) (e) of the Human Rights Act 1998 states:- ‘Everyone has the right to liberty and security of person. No one shall be deprived of their liberty apart from in the following circumstances and in accordance with procedure prescribed by law' These circumstances include: 'The lawful detention of persons of unsound mind.’ According to the World Health Organisation Close to 800,000 people die by suicide every year. Furthermore, for each suicide, there are more than 20 suicide attempts. Suicides can be preventable. Much can be done to prevent suicide at individual, community and national levels. 1 th Amended 8 March 2024 v.3 OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 4.1 Mental Health and Suicide Intervention – Pre-Read Mental Health All practitioners who operate under the 2003 Act, including the Police, should always have the following ten principles in mind. These underpin what the Act is trying to achieve:- Non-Discrimination - People with a mental disorder should wherever possible retain the same rights and entitlements as those with other health needs. Equality - All powers under the Act should be exercised without any direct or indirect discrimination on the grounds of physical disability, age, gender, sexual orientation, language, religion or national, ethnic or social origin. Respect for Diversity - Service users should receive care, treatment and support in a manner that takes into account respect for their individual qualities, abilities and diverse backgrounds and properly takes into account their age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic group and social, cultural and religious background. Reciprocity - Where a service user is legally compelled to undergo a programme of treatment or care, the health and social care authorities are obliged to provide safe and appropriate services including ongoing care following discharge from such compulsion. Informal Care - Wherever possible, care, treatment and support should be provided to people with mental disorder without the use of compulsory powers. Participation - Service users should be fully involved, so far as they are able to be, in all aspects of their care, treatment and support. Their past and present wishes should be taken into account. Respect for Carers - Those who provide care to service users on an informal basis should receive respect for their role and experience, receive appropriate information and advice and have their views and needs taken into account. Least Restrictive Alternative - Service users should be provided with any necessary care, treatment and support both in the least invasive and restrictive manner and in an environment compatible with the safe and effective care taking account of the safety of others where appropriate. 2 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 4.1 Mental Health and Suicide Intervention – Pre-Read Benefit - Any intervention under the Act should be likely to produce for the service user a benefit that cannot reasonably be achieved other than by the intervention. Child Welfare - The welfare of a child with mental disorder should be paramount in any interventions imposed on the child under the Act. Human Rights HR Remember a person suffering from a mental disorder or in mental distress should be treated with the same dignity and respect afforded to everyone. Mental Health and Suicide Intervention What are the signs that a person may be in mental distress or feeling suicidal? The following lists are designed to make you aware of possible indicators of a mental health crisis or of suicidal thoughts. These lists are neither prescriptive nor exhaustive. Remember each person is different and may not exhibit any of the expected indicators. Behaviours Threatening to hurt or kill themselves Looking for ways to kill themselves Seeking access to pills, weapons or other means Crying or emotional outbursts Increasing alcohol or drugs misuse Acting recklessly or engaging in risky activities seemingly without thinking Fighting Law breaking 3 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 4.1 Mental Health and Suicide Intervention – Pre-Read Withdrawing from friends, family, society Dropping out of school or college Prior suicidal behaviour Putting affairs in order Engaging in self-harm A recent suicide attempt Thoughts Thoughts of death, dying, suicide or hopelessness Thinking about planning for suicide Believing there is no way out Thinking of escape No future Thinking of themselves as damaged Preoccupied Want the pain to end Feelings Desperate Sad Ashamed Guilty Worthless Disconnected Hopelessness Helplessness Rage Anger Seeking Revenge No reason for living No sense of purpose in life Feeling alone Dramatic changes in mood 4 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 4.1 Mental Health and Suicide Intervention – Pre-Read Situations Relationship problems School/college/work issues Bullying Criminal activity Bad associations Impending trial dates Family and money problems Isolation Sexual and other abuse Suicide attempt - others suicide attempts or deaths Anniversaries - death, divorce, birthday Addictions Physical health problems Mental health problems Physical Changes Lack of physical energy Unable to sleep or sleeping all the time Change in appetite Personal neglect/unkempt Increase in minor illness Self-harm marks Intervention Skills A person who may potentially be at risk of suicide can be significantly influenced by the actions or apparent attitudes of police officers or police staff. A compassionate response from authorities when dealing with a person in mental health distress can make it more likely that they will engage with and stay connected to services or support that may benefit them over time. 5 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 4.1 Mental Health and Suicide Intervention – Pre-Read With the use of active listening and showing empathy you may be able to build up a rapport with the individual, which may give you the ability to influence them and as a result provide a behavioural change that could potentially save their life. Wellbeing W At all times you should be aware of your own mental and physical wellbeing, as well as that of your colleagues. Talk to your supervisor or colleagues with any concerns you have. There are many support options available to you including TRiM counsellors and the Employee Assistance Programme. Please refer to Unit 5 lesson note on ‘Health and Wellbeing’ and information available on the Police Scotland intranet. 6 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 4.1 Mental Health and Suicide Intervention – Pre-Read For further information, use the resources shown below:- Mental Health and Place of Safety SOP Review: You can identify the signs and symptoms that may indicate a person may be in mental distress or at risk of suicide Learning Log: How will what you have learned in this module impact your day-to- day role? Are there any skills or knowledge you would like to develop further following this module? End of Module 7 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL  OFFICIAL Unit 6 Lesson 4.1 Mental Health and Suicide Intervention – Pre-Read 8 Protection and Wellbeing in Our Communities OFFICIAL