Suicide Prevention
Read the following article, Suicide Prevention: 5 Key Clinical Strategies for Engaging At Risk Individuals in Mental Health Treatment Link
A. Reflect on three things you learned from this article.
B. How did this article impact you as a future social worker or human services worker?
https://www.socialworker.com/feature-articles/practice/suicide-prevention-5-key-clinical-strategies-for-engaging-at-risk-individuals-in-mental-health-treatment/
Sample Solution
A. Three things I learned from this article are (1) that it is important to understand the underlying causes and sources of an individual’s suicidal ideation in order to more effectively provide treatment; (2) creating safety plans with individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts can help them realize they have tools and resources at their disposal during times of crisis; and (3) having a strong therapeutic relationship with an individual who is suicidal can build trust, rapport, and ultimately increase engagement in mental health treatment.
B. This article has impacted me as a future social worker or human services worker by providing valuable information on how best to engage individuals at risk for suicide. As someone working in this field, it is crucial for me to be prepared when encountering clients who may need assistance addressing suicidality. The strategies outlined in this article will allow me to do just that, by helping me better assess the situation, create meaningful interventions and safety plans that are personally tailored towards each client’s needs, and form positive therapeutic relationships with those who are vulnerable or experiencing mental health crises.
Furthermore, understanding the causes of suicide ideation also allows us as professionals to better target our intervention efforts so we can address these issues before they become insurmountable obstacles preventing someone from seeking help or engaging in treatment. By recognizing these potential triggers early-on — such as substance abuse problems, financial stressors — I can intervene properly to ensure my clients get the help they need right away rather than waiting until a problem becomes worse over time.
Overall then, reading this article has not only given me knowledge on effectively responding to events involving suicidal individuals but also reminded me of my responsibility as a social worker or other human services provider: it is up to us not only respond appropriately when someone needs assistance but take proactive steps so that our clients don’t reach such dangerous situations where suicide appears like their only remaining option.
