Document Type
Portfolio
Publication Date
2022
Abstract
Goal Statement: To reduce the rate of suicide attempts in Charleston, SC. Significant Findings: Suicide is a serious public health problem and is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2021), 12.2 million Americans seriously thought about suicide and 1.2 million Americans attempted suicide in 2020. These numbers will only increase with Americas increase in mental health cases. There is not one single cause for suicide but occurs most often from undiagnosed and untreated depression. Stressors and health issues can converge with anxiety and substance problems creating an experience of hopelessness and despair (American Foundations for Suicide Prevention, 2022). In turn, suicidal ideations can percolate into the brain and poison the mind, causing one to question every single thing. Mental health professionals and advocates seek to remedy these statistics and rectify one of the leading mental health issues. This Social Change Portfolio focuses on suicide in Charleston, South Carolina, which has shown radical increase in suicide and attempted suicide rates since the past pandemic. Discussed are prevention strategies and advocacy in suicide prevention along with diversity within the suicidal population, theories of prevention, and information regarding a social and ecological suicide model. Objec4ves/Strategies/Interven4ons/Next Steps: Some objectives to reduce the rate of suicide attempts are to strengthen access to mental health facilities and suicide care, along with creating protective environments. Some actions can include reducing provider shortages in marginalized and underserved areas and stronger coverage of mental health conditions in health insurance policies. Communities can promote connectedness by engaging in activities to promote suicide prevention. Many support suicide prevention by participating in 5K races/walk or by being apart of community organizations that work together to reduce stigma, and support others who struggle. Identifying at-risk individuals, supporting them, and teaching coping and problem solving skills are appropriate strategies for intervention.
