It is very unfortunate that over one million people each year die by suicide globally. 1.8% of the deaths witnessed worldwide are as results of suicide (Wasserman et al., 2016). Suicide has proved to be a global phenomenon. The risk factors for suicide are; being a victim of violence, abuse, bullying, and loss of job, serious illness, and death of a close friend or relative (Mishara & Kerkhof, 2013). This, therefore, calls for both evidence-based and effective interventions to be implemented across the world to avert suicide and suicidal attempts.
Psychotherapies are one of the methods that can be used globally to prevent suicide attempts (Mishara & Kerkhof, 2013). In addition, it helps the affected individuals from making another attempt. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an example of psychotherapy that can assists individuals through training to deal with stressful experiences.
Medication can as well be used to prevent suicide. Medical practitioners can work across the world to find the right dose or medical combination (Mishara & Kerkhof, 2013). Many people who are at risk for suicide time and again have substance abuse issues or psychiatric problems and, therefore, the medication can help immensely together with the psychosocial intervention. Clozapine is typically used to treat people with the problem.
Moreover, to prevent suicide, observing behavioral changes of a person can help significantly (Wasserman et al., 2016). Health providers and family members with the right education concerning suicide, can pay a close attention regarding how a person is talking, writing, and relate with other people and realize that the person is about to commit suicide or contemplating to about it. Notably, it is common for people who want to commit suicide to visit places like overpasses, bridges, and rooftops. Thus, it is important to educate the public through adverts and on social media about the danger of suicide, how it can be prevented and the warning signs to observe. Furthermore, health practitioners should be trained on Psychotherapies and the appropriate medication to use on suicidal patients.
References
Mishara, B., & Kerkhof, A. (Eds.). (2013). Suicide prevention and new technologies: evidence based practice. Springer.
Wasserman, D., Durkee, T., & Wasserman, C. (2016). Strategies in suicide prevention. Suicide: An Unnecessary Death, 269.
