Definition of Suicide – Behavioral sciences explore the cognitive processes within organisms and the behavioral interactions between organisms in the natural world. It involves the systematic analysis and investigation of human and animal behavior through the study of the past, controlled and naturalistic observation of the present and disciplined scientific experimentation and modeling.
It attempts to accomplish legitimate, objective conclusions through rigorous formulations and observation. Generally, behavior science deals primarily with human action and often seeks to generalize about human behavior as it relates to society.
Definition of Suicide
According to WHO
“Suicide is the act of deliberately killing oneself. Risk factors for suicide 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
- Giving away prized possessions
- Talking about death and dying
- Using phrases such as “when I am gone or I’m going to kill my self
- Saying good bye for to loved ones
- Obtaining items needed for suicide attempt
- Decreased social contact
- Increased risky behavior
Cognitive symptoms
- Preoccupation with death and dying
- Belief that suicide is the only way to end emotional plan
Psychological
- Feeling of helpless
- Self-loathing
- Hopelessness
- Paranoia
- Intense emotional pain
- Mood swings
- Sudden changes of personality
- Severe anxiety and agitation,
Causes of Suicide:
Bio-psychosocial
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Bio-psychosocial
- Schizophrenia
- Anxiety disorder
- Personality disorder
- Substance abuse
- Childhood abuse
- A terminal or serious illness
- Previous suicide attempts
- Having a chronic disease
- Low self esteem
- A horrible disappointment
- Relationships problem
Environmental
- Social loss, such of the loss of a significant others
- Access to lethal means, including firearms and drugs
- Being exposed to suicide
- Being a victim of harassment or physically abuse
- Verbal abuse
- Feeling helpless
- Unresolved abuse
- Feeling trapped in a situation perceived as negative.
Socio cultural
- A serious loss such as job, house or money
- Loss of hope
- Unemployment
- Social isolation
- Financial problem
Risk Factors of Suicide:
Health factors
Mental health conditions
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Borderline or antisocial personality disorder
- Conduct disorder
- Psychotic disorder
- Anxiety disorder
Substance abuse disorders
Serious and chronic health condition or pain
Environmental factors
- Stressful life events such as death of loveable one, lost of job, divorce
- Prolonged stress factors which may include harassment, bullying, relationships problem
- Physical abuse, sexual abuse
- Isolation
- Black mailed by others
Historical factors
- Previous suicide attempts
- Family history of suicide attempts.
Preventive Measure of Suicide/Prevention of Suicide:
The safety measures are as follows:
- Observe frequently or continuously on a one to one basis.
- 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.
- 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.
- Search him and his belongings if the patient leaves the ward or hospital for any reason upon return.
- Keep a detailed written description of “suicidal precautions” which are implemented when patients are identified as suicidal.
- Patient should not be left alone even in the bathroom.
- Let the patient know that his stressful situation is acknowledge and communicate that he will receive support and help in controlling his emotions/impulses.
- 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.
- Teach him coping skills.
- Discuss with the patient about his suicidal thought, suicidal plans that will probably reduce his anxiety.
- Look for suicidal clues.
- Establish a no suicide contract”.
- Explore patients strengths
- Promote decision making ability in him]
- Set limits on him and be firm, consistent.
- Every shift nurses must be aware of suicidal risk patients.
- Convey the feelings of acceptance and belonging
- Promote and reinforce the feelings of beings useful and needed and feelings of accomplishment.
Read more: