Suicide and Self-Harm Intervention and Management Strategies

Suicide and self-harm (attempted suicide) are actions taken to inflict death upon oneself. U.S. governmental findings in 2016 list suicide as the 10th leading cause of death and even higher for specific groups (e.g., the second leading cause of death for those 25–34 years of age). The understanding and prevention of suicide and self-harm, as well as intervention with those who are contemplating, actively threatening, or attempting suicide are of special concern to law enforcement, correctional personnel, mental health professionals, and the community at large because of the frequency with which these professionals must address this growing societal problem. It is important for those who intervene in these situations to understand common reasons for suicide, the characteristics of those who kill themselves, suicide assessment, skills ...