Factors that trigger suicide
Describe factors that trigger suicide.
Select a psychological perspective and describe how that perspective explains suicide.
Discuss the difference in how suicide is viewed by society based upon a person’s age.
Discuss treatment, including treatment after an attempted suicide and prevention programs.
Use four to six scholarly references evidentiary support
Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States, and it is the second leading cause of death among young people ages 15-24. There are many factors that can trigger suicide, including:
- Mental health disorders: Mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, are major risk factors for suicide.
- Trauma: Traumatic experiences, such as abuse, neglect, or the death of a loved one, can increase the risk of suicide.
- Substance abuse: Substance abuse, especially alcohol and drugs, can increase the risk of suicide.
- Family history: People who have a family history of suicide are more likely to attempt suicide themselves.
- Life stressors: Life stressors, such as financial problems, job loss, or relationship problems, can increase the risk of suicide.
- Access to lethal means: Having access to lethal means, such as guns or pills, can increase the risk of suicide.
- The biopsychosocial model: This model views suicide as the result of a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. Biological factors include genetics, brain chemistry, and medical conditions. Psychological factors include mental health disorders, personality traits, and coping skills. Social factors include family history, life stressors, and cultural norms.
- The diathesis-stress model: This model views suicide as the result of a combination of a predisposition to suicide (the diathesis) and stressful life events (the stress). The diathesis can be a mental health disorder, a personality trait, or a genetic vulnerability. The stress can be a single event, such as the death of a loved one, or a series of events, such as financial problems or relationship difficulties.
- The social learning theory: This theory views suicide as a learned behavior. People who are exposed to suicide, either directly or indirectly, are more likely to attempt suicide themselves.
- Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy can help people to understand their suicidal thoughts and develop coping skills.
- Medication: Medication can be used to treat mental health disorders that are associated with suicide.
- Hospitalization: In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary to keep a person safe from self-harm.