Exploring and Preventing Youth Suicide

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CE Course Description

Suicide among young people is a serious public health problem that can have lasting harmful effects on individuals, families, and communities. Suicide may be associated with a mental health issue, substance abuse, feelings of stress, self-doubt, pressure to succeed, disappointment, or loss. Effective prevention and intervention strategies are needed to promote awareness of suicide while also addressing prevention, resilience, and a commitment to support, cohesion, and connection for youth who are struggling.

Author: Kimberley Fortin, LCSW-R

CE Course Objectives

1. Identify warning signs, as well as risk and protective factors regarding youth suicide.
2. Explore interventions, prevention strategies, and treatment strategies regarding suicidal youth.
3. Differentiate between myths and facts that pertain to suicide.
   
4. Recognize the difference between self-harm and suicidal ideations and how to assess for each.
5. Discuss how specific therapeutic techniques can be implemented in caring for youth at risk for suicide.

CE Course Outline

What are Suicidal Behaviors? (3 mins)

1. Overview of suicidal behaviors in youth: ideation, attempts, and completion.
2. Distinction between self-harm and suicidal behaviors.

Data on Youth Suicide (3 mins)

1. Current statistics on youth suicide rates.
2. Trends and notable demographic information.

Risk and Protective Factors (10 mins)

1. Risk Factors (5 mins)
   1. Mental health disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety).
   2. History of trauma, abuse, or bullying.
   3. Substance use and other contributing factors.
2. Protective Factors (5 mins)
   1. Family support and connectedness.
   2. Social networks and positive peer relationships.
   3. Access to mental health resources.

Warning Signs (3 mins)

1. Behavioral and emotional cues indicating potential suicidality.
2. Importance of early recognition and intervention.

Myths and Facts Regarding Youth Suicide (4 mins)

1. Common misconceptions about youth suicide.
2. Evidence-based facts to dispel these myths.

Intervention and Prevention Strategies (15 mins)

1. Assessment (5 mins)
   1. Conducting thorough risk assessments.
   2. Tools and screening questionnaires.
2. Safety Planning (5 mins)
   1. Developing a safety plan for at-risk youth.
   2. Involving families and support systems.
3. Care Coordination (5 mins)
   1. Integrating services and support for youth.
   2. Role of schools, clinicians, and families in care coordination.

Treatment Strategies (10 mins)

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (2 mins)
   1. Focus on thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
2. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (3 mins)
   1. Emotion regulation and distress tolerance.
3. Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (2 mins)
   1. A team-based approach to managing suicidality.
4. Interpersonal Therapy (1 min)
   1. Strengthening social support and addressing relationship issues.
5. Multisystemic Therapy (1 min)
   1. Family-focused, community-based intervention.
6. Psychodynamic Psychotherapy (1 min)
   1. Exploring past experiences and unconscious influences.

How Can Parents, Schools, and Communities Help? (8 mins)

1. Parents (3 mins)
2. Supporting mental health in the home environment.
3. Schools (2 mins)
4. Creating supportive and safe environments for students.
5. Community (2 mins)
6. Strengthening community networks and access to resources.
7. Other Community Considerations (1 min)
8. Engaging local organizations and services in prevention.

How are Self-Harm and Suicide-Related? (2 min)

1. Understanding the connection between self-harm and suicidality.

Conclusion (2 mins)

1. Recap of key points.
2. Encouragement for continued learning and engagement with resources.

Total Time: 60 mintutes (1 hour)

Course Level: Introductory

Course Date: 2022-02-16

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