Risk / Protective Factors for Suicide Prevention

Instructions

It is anticipated that the initial discussion post should be in the range of 250-300 words. Response posts to peers have no minimum word requirement but must demonstrate topic knowledge and scholarly engagement with peers. Substantive content is imperative for all posts(Comprehensive Essay on Protective Factors for Suicide Prevention). All discussion prompt elements for the topic must be addressed. Please proofread your response carefully for grammar and spelling. Do not upload any attachments unless specified in the instructions. All posts should be supported by a minimum of one scholarly resource, ideally within the last 5 years. Journals and websites must be cited appropriately. Citations and references must adhere to APA format.(Comprehensive Essay on Protective Factors for Suicide Prevention)

Classroom Participation

Students are expected to address the initial discussion question by Wednesday of each week. Participation in the discussion forum requires a minimum of three (3) substantive postings (this includes your initial post and posting to two peers) on three (3) different days. Substantive means that you add something new to the discussion supported with citation(s) and reference(s), you are not just agreeing. This is also a time to ask questions or offer information surrounding the topic addressed by your peers. Personal experience is appropriate for a substantive discussion, however, should be correlated to the literature.(Comprehensive Essay on Protective Factors for Suicide Prevention)

All discussion boards will be evaluated utilizing rubric criterion inclusive of content, analysis, collaboration, writing, and APA. If you fail to post an initial discussion or initial discussion is late, you will not receive points for content and analysis, you may however post to your peers for partial credit following the guidelines above.(Comprehensive Essay on Protective Factors for Suicide Prevention)

Discussion Prompt [Due Wednesday]

• What are some risk factors for suicide?
  • Protective factors?(Comprehensive Essay on Protective Factors for Suicide Prevention)
  • How will you ask patients and what will your response be?
• What are some strategies being implemented at a state level or national level to help reduce suicide attempts?
• Think about quality improvement programs and some critical thinking skills on your part when assessing these patients.

Responses need to address all components of the question, demonstrate critical thinking and analysis and include peer-reviewed journal evidence to support the student’s position.(Comprehensive Essay on Protective Factors for Suicide Prevention)

Please be sure to validate your opinions and ideas with in-text citations and corresponding references in APA format.

Please review the rubric to ensure that your response meets the criteria.

Estimated time to complete: 2 hours

Comprehensive Essay on Protective Factors for Suicide Prevention

The global suicide mortality rate is 1.4% of all deaths worldwide, making it a major psychiatric health issue (Brådvik, 2018). Most suicides are caused by psychiatric complications, with the most significant risk factors being depression, substance abuse, and psychosis. However, biological and mental conditions brought on by anxiety, personality, eating, and trauma-related problems also play a part. According to Fonseca-Pedrero et al. (2022), feelings of depression, hopelessness, burdensomeness, low self-esteem, and social support are protective factors with the highest centrality in suicidal ideation. Other risk factors include medications, sex, genetics, availability of firearms, life experiences, media, the Internet, and economic instability and status.(Comprehensive Essay on Protective Factors for Suicide Prevention)

Communicating with clients experiencing suicidal ideation requires a careful selection of words and high-level sensitivity to the actions selected. It is crucial to know what to ask and how to ask clients regarding their suicidality. The questions should target identifying the intent and plan. For instance, the practitioner might ask questions like how are you getting by? Have you thought of hurting yourself? Do you ever think of killing yourself? Have you tried to harm or kill yourself before? Have you thought of how you would do it? Do you have a plan in place? What holds you back? What might make you act on your ideation? The answers to the question should help understand the patient’s needs and develop an appropriate care plan. The practitioner should practice active listening, demonstrate a non-judgmental and accepting attitude, offer clarifications and summaries, respect the pace and flow of the conversation, and pay attention to non-verbal cues.(Comprehensive Essay on Protective Factors for Suicide Prevention)

Resources available at the state and national level include the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline with trained counselors operating 24/7, the US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services, the free Friendship line, operating 24/7, and availing names of mental health professionals patients can reach in case of an emergency (O’Rourke et al., 2018). Screening for suicide can be an effective strategy for preventing suicide attempts. All multidisciplinary healthcare team members, including clinicians, nurses, pharmacists, therapists, and support staff, should be on the lookout for potential suicide-related symptoms, and those with greater clinical expertise can start the screening process. Pullen (2017) provides that practitioners can adopt quality improvement programs, such as the suicide prevention gatekeeper program and suicide risk screening instrument, to identify clients at high risk of suicide to initiate conversations and act proactively.(Comprehensive Essay on Protective Factors for Suicide Prevention)

References

Brådvik L. (2018). Suicide Risk and Mental Disorders. International journal of environmental research and public health, 15(9), 2028. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15092028

Fonseca-Pedrero, E., Al-Halabí, S., Pérez-Albéniz, A., & Debbané, M. (2022). Risk and Protective Factors in Adolescent Suicidal Behaviour: A Network Analysis. International journal of environmental research and public health, 19(3), 1784. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031784(Comprehensive Essay on Protective Factors for Suicide Prevention)

O’Rourke, M. C., Jamil, R. T., & Siddiqui, W. (2018). Suicide screening and prevention.

Pullen, J. (2017). A Quality Improvement Project to improve Suicide Prevention in Long-Term Care. Population health Learning Network. https://www.hmpgloballearningnetwork.com/site/altc/articles/quality-improvement-project-aim-improving-suicide-prevention-long-term-care(Comprehensive Essay on Protective Factors for Suicide Prevention)

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

FAQs

What is an example of a protective factor that may reduce suicide?

An instance of a safeguarding element that can diminish the likelihood of suicide involves having robust communal support. For individuals studying nursing, nurturing close bonds with colleagues, mentors, and family can establish feelings of being included and emotionally secure. These connections create avenues for honest discussions, exchanging difficulties, and seeking assistance during moments of turmoil. Through cultivating such networks of support, nursing students can bolster their capacity to bounce back and manage challenges, pivotal in thwarting thoughts and acts of self-harm.(Comprehensive Essay on Protective Factors for Suicide Prevention)

What are protective factors in mental health?

Protective factors in psychological well-being pertain to the elements within a person’s life or surroundings that bolster their capacity to withstand challenges, minimizing the potential of encountering psychological health adversities or their consequent ramifications. These factors encompass robust social reinforcement networks, adaptive coping mechanisms, a steady and caring familial milieu, favorable self-regard, attainable healthcare access, regular physical exercises, and adept stress administration. They hold a pivotal role in cultivating mental wellness and counteracting the influences of hazard elements that might otherwise contribute to psychological health complexities.(Comprehensive Essay on Protective Factors for Suicide Prevention)

What are the three C’s in suicide prevention?

The trio of C’s within suicide prevention involves promoting Connection, encouraging Communication, and showing Compassion. These principles underscore the significance of building strong relationships, fostering open discussions about mental well-being, and actively demonstrating empathy and support to those in need.(Comprehensive Essay on Protective Factors for Suicide Prevention)

What are protective factors in crisis?

In times of crisis, protective factors encompass a range of components that aid in lessening the adverse repercussions of challenging circumstances on a person’s mental and physical welfare. These factors act as a safeguard, diminishing the potential negative effects of the crisis and bolstering resilience and adaptive capacities. Illustrations of protective factors encompass robust social support circles, proficient problem-solving proficiencies, constructive coping techniques, and a perception of personal control or autonomy. These factors collectively empower individuals to effectively navigate hardships and sustain a heightened level of functioning throughout the crisis.(Comprehensive Essay on Protective Factors for Suicide Prevention)