1Listen to the audio lecture while viewing these slidesPsychology 311Abnormal Psychology1Suicide2Psyc 311 – Abnormal PsychologySuicide• Is the 8th leading cause of death in the US• 30,000 killed themselves• 500,000 attempted• In mental illness, Bipolar II have the greatest risk for suicide• Para suicide – Suicidal behavior that does not result in death3Psyc 311 – Abnormal PsychologyRisks•Age• Young people and individuals >70 at greatest risk•Sex• Women are more likely to attempt•Use pills, cut wrists, etc.•More likely to survive•Can change mind and usually survive• Men are more likely to succeed•Use guns, jump off buildings, etc.•Once you pull the trigger or jump you cannot change your mind.4Psyc 311 – Abnormal PsychologyOther Variables• Ethnicity• Native Americans and Alaskan Native males have highest rates per capita•Culture • Is important for considering suicide is ok• Japan, seen as acceptable• Canadians – seek mental help professionals5Psyc 311 – Abnormal PsychologyVariables that are Important• Hopelessness• No way out, consider suicide• Beck Hopelessness scale is useful in determining risk• Beck model of therapy•Helps modify hopeless thinking• Perfectionism – have unrealistic expectations• Life events – death, divorce, job loss, etc6Psyc 311 – Abnormal PsychologyMyths about Suicide• People who talk about suicide don’t actually commit suicide• Wrong: Most have a history of threats:• Have an extremely high risk.27Psyc 311 – Abnormal PsychologyMyth 2.• Usually take place with little or no warning.• Wrong: 8 of 10 attempts are preceded by warnings• Can be clear threats or vague statements or actions8Psyc 311 – Abnormal PsychologyStatements or Actions• Giving away possessions•Saying • I won’t be around soon.• You won’t have to worry about me anymore• Cutting up credit cards9Psyc 311 – Abnormal PsychologyMyth 3• People who attempt suicide are fully intent on dying.•Wrong: • Only 3-5% really want to die• 30% are ambivalent and arrange things so it’s a matter of chance• 65% don’t want to die so arrange suicide so rescue is likely•Reason only 1/8th of attempters succeed10Psyc 311 – Abnormal PsychologyMyth 4• People who attempt suicide remain so forever• Wrong: Usually is only for a limited period of time11Psyc 311 – Abnormal PsychologyMyth 5• People attempting suicide always appear to be sad or blue• Wrong: Often a person who is sad and blue and contemplating suicide will become very happy whey they make the decision to actually do it.• Mood swings from very depressed or sad to very happy – be cautious. 12Psyc 311 – Abnormal PsychologySome Warning signs of Suicide • Eating / Sleep changes• Becoming withdrawn• Violent actions• Unusual neglect of appearance• Personal changes• Physical complaints •Being bored• Putting affairs in order• Past attempt• Can be a large weight loss313Psyc 311 – Abnormal PsychologyWhat to do• Take very seriously• When people are making vague threats ask them directly “Are you thinking about committing suicide”• They will usually tell you yes• Provide empathy and support• Show you care and are genuinely concerned• Get the person to a trained professional and take them there• Use suicide prevention hotlines14Psyc 311 – Abnormal PsychologyAssessing Risk• Many types of instruments• Some are more in-depth than others• Doesn’t matter which one you use, just know how to use it15Psyc 311 – Abnormal PsychologyExample of an Instrument16Psyc 311 – Abnormal PsychologyConclusions• Is a big problem among young and old people, • Is often preventable with some concern by others• Get individuals at risk to trained professionals17Psyc 311 – Abnormal PsychologyFinally, • If someone succeeds at suicide that you know or worked withYOU ARE NOT