Concept of Suicide – This book covers the entire syllabus of ” Community Health Nursing” prescribed by the Universities of Bangladesh- for Basic and diploma nursing students. We tried to accommodate the latest information and topics.
This book is an examination-friendly setup according to the teachers’ lectures and examination questions. At the end of the book previous university questions are given. We hope in touch with the book students’ knowledge will be upgraded and flourish. The unique way of presentation may make your reading of the book a pleasurable experience.
Concept of Suicide
Suicidemaybedefinedas”Suicideistheactofdeliberatelykillingoneself.Risk factorsforsuicide include mental disorder (such as depression, personality disorder, alcohol dependence, or schizophrenia), and some physical illnesses, such as neurological disorders, cancer, and HIV infection. There are effective strategies and interventions for the prevention of suicide.”
Or,
According to S.nimbi “Suicide is the act of taking owns life intentionally which occurs as a result of mental illness such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders, alcoholism, or drug abuse.”
Sign and Symptoms of Suicide:
| Behavioral symptoms |
|
| Cognitive symptoms |
|
| Psychological |
|
[Ref- BT Basavanthappa/3/692]
Causes of Suicide:
| Bio-psychosocial |
|
| Environmental |
|
| Socio cultural |
|
[Ref- BT Basavanthappa/3/692]
Risk Factors of Suicide:
Health factors
a) Mental health conditions
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Borderline or antisocial personality disorder
- Conduct disorder
- Psychotic disorder
- Anxiety disorder
b) Substance abuse disorders
c) Serious and chronic health condition or pain
Environmental factors
a) Stressful life events such as death of loveable one, lost of job, divorce
b) Prolonged stress factors which may include harassment, bullying, relationships problem
c) Physical abuse, sexual abuse
d) Isolation
e) Black mailed by others
Historical factors
a) Previous suicide attempts
b) Family history of suicide attempts.
[Ref- BT Basavanthappa/3/692]
Preventive Measure of Suicide/Prevention of Suicide:
The safety measures are as follows:
1. Observe frequently or continuously on a one to one basis.
2. Keep the environment free from potential danger such as belts, razor blades, scissors and other sharp objects. Broken glasses of window are to be immediately replaced. Hanging open wires are to be also immediately rectified.
3. Be aware of the medications that the patient is taking as there are possibilities of his hoarding dosages for future lethal ingestion. Keep the ward drugs in cupboard under lock and key.
4. Search him and his belongings if the patient leaves the ward or hospital for any reason upon return
5. Keep a detailed written description of suicidal precautions “which are implemented when patients are identified as suicidal.
6. Patient should not be left alone even in the bathroom.
7. Let the patient know that his stressful situation is acknowledge and communicate that he will receive support and help in controlling his emotions/impulses.
8. Gratify dependency needs during inter-personal relationship with patient as it would reduce the level of anxiety, which in turn, decrease the risk of suicide.
9. Teach him coping skills.
10. Discuss with the patient about his suicidal thought, suicidal plans that will probably reduce his anxiety.
11. Look for suicidal clues.
12. Establish a no suicide contract”.
13. Explore patients strengths
14. Promote decision making ability in him
15. Set limits on him and be firm, consistent.
16. Every shift nurses must be aware of suicidal risk patients
17. Convey the feelings of acceptance and belonging
18. Promote and reinforce the feelings of beings useful and needed and feelings of accomplishment
[Ref- BT Basavanthappa/3/693]
Definition of homicide:
Homicide occurs when one human being causes the death of another human being. Homicides can be divided into many overlapping types, including murder, manslaughter, justifiable homicide, killing in war, euthanasia, and execution, depending on the circumstances of the death.
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