Which of the following statements concerning people who have made prior suicide attempts is true?
A. They should be allowed to sign a release if their injuries are not serious.
B. They do not require psychological counseling like a person who is depressed.
C. They are usually just making a cry for help but do not want to die.
D. They are at an increased risk for a subsequent successful suicide.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is D. They are at an increased risk for a subsequent successful suicide.
Individuals who have previously attempted suicide are considered to be at a significantly higher risk for a subsequent suicide attempt, which may be more lethal. Several studies have shown that a previous suicide attempt is one of the strongest predictors of future attempts and completed suicides. This heightened risk can be due to a variety of factors, including the underlying mental health conditions (such as depression, bipolar disorder, or borderline personality disorder), ongoing psychological distress, and the individual’s perception of their life situation.
Suicide attempts often represent a cry for help, an expression of unbearable pain or emotional suffering. When someone has made a prior suicide attempt, it indicates that they have reached a level of distress where they felt that ending their life was the only option. While not everyone who attempts suicide does so with the intention of dying, many do, and the risk of a fatal attempt increases with the number of previous attempts. This is especially true if the person has used more lethal methods in previous attempts.
Psychological counseling and intervention are crucial for individuals who have made prior suicide attempts, regardless of the perceived seriousness of their injuries. Mental health professionals can help address the underlying issues contributing to suicidal thoughts, assist in developing coping strategies, and provide support systems to reduce the likelihood of future attempts.
Releasing individuals who have attempted suicide without addressing the psychological aspects of their condition is dangerous. Given the risk of subsequent suicide attempts, it is essential that people who have previously attempted suicide receive appropriate care, including psychological and psychiatric support, to help prevent further harm.