SUICIDE SERIES 1: Suicidality & Suicidology
I realize, I founded Coriander Living Collective over 4 years ago and I have never wrote a Blog Post on suicide. It’s fairly typical for me to have clients on my caseload with suicidality or past suicide attempts. It is a clinical area where I have competency, extensive training, and experience in treating and managing suicidal behavior. Suicidality is complex, and death by suicide is tragic, having profound impact on survivors. I have personal history with suicide loss like so many others. If you are someone struggling with suicidal thoughts, in deep pain, or if you have been impacted by suicide loss, Coriander Living Collective is here. Just reach out.
This is the first post of a multi-part Blog Series on Suicide. We will discuss general information on suicidality, defined by the American Psychological Association as “the risk of suicide usually indicated by suicidal ideation or intent, especially as evident in the presence of a well-elaborated suicidal plan” and suicidology, “the scientific study of suicidal behavior, the causes of suicidalness and suicide prevention.” Along with suicide loss and treatments for suicidality.
Suicide is not talked about often enough. It is difficult to study. And there are many myths and beliefs around suicide that are unhelpful. Suicide is the cumulation of the interaction between complex risk factors and distressing life events. It is rarely an impulsive act. Often a solution to end unbearable pain, or to escape a sense of feeling trapped.
Joiner’s Model of Suicide: Interpersonal needs theory, “interaction between perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, and acquired capacity for suicide.”
Baumeister’s Escape Theory of Suicide: “the need for individuals to escape from themselves and their situation.” Stressful life events lead to a sense of being a failure, painful self-awareness.
In 2023, 50,000+ Americans died by suicide, a 4% increase from 2022. Suicidal tendencies occur across all ages and genders yet data supports certain risk and protective factors. Eighty-90% of suicide victims struggle with mental health or substance use disorders. Research supports that those who have suffered trauma are 15x more likely to die by suicide. Those with increased risk are seniors, people with chronic pain/illness, those who suffer loneliness, neglect, isolation, or have serious financial or career setbacks, relationship distress, are victims of sexual assault or intimate partner violence, or those who identify as LGBTQQI+, and law enforcement officers.
Those at risk for suicide often get tunnel vision, thus it is important to talk about suicide and emotions, access support, and learn coping skills to manage hard emotions. The 988 Crisis Lifeline is available 24-7 and offers support and resources.
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