Suicide prevention is a significant issue in the US military, with the loss of current service members and veterans a significant public and social health cost. There have been a variety of theories on the causes of the increase in military suicides, which has been termed an “epidemic.” (Pilkington, 2013) Model of Suicidal Behaviour A…
Tag: safety planning
Developing Core Competencies for Suicide Risk Assessment
A number of competencies or skills are required for adequately working with suicidal individuals. Cramer et. al. (2013) examined a number of resources including the AAS Core Competencies (2010) and other resources. This list is adapted from those resources. Manage Attitudes and Reactions Towards Suicide and Suicidal Clients This competency involves self-awareness about your attitudes…
Designing Safety Plans with Suicidal Individuals
A safety plan is a written list of those activities that allow us to do three things: Recognize when a crisis is occurring Recognize who our supports are Make immediate next-steps for planning Safety plans are not checklists, and they should not be used in place of having a real conversation. They help provide a sense…