Elevations RTC, a residential treatment center for teens ages 13-18, observes suicide awareness month this September by encouraging individuals to take action and manage the risks of suicidal and parasuicidal behavior. In June, Jordan Killpack MA, NCC, LCMHC presented on this topic at the annual NATSAP conference alongside ViewPoint Center’s Assessment Director, Jordan Rigby, PsyD.
For adolescents, the lifetime prevalence rates of suicidal ideation, plans and attempts are 12.1%, 4% and 4.1% respectively. This is a rapidly growing problem and there is an expanding need for a systemic approach to suicidal and parasuicidal behavior management.
Suicide prevention training programs provide individuals with a better foundation to expand their knowledge of the potential risk factors of suicide.
“Gatekeepers, anyone who comes in frequent contact with someone who has an elevated risk of suicidal behavior, can be trained to prevent suicidal behaviors through relatively quick, cost effective training programs for suicide prevention,” comments Killpack. “An example of one of these programs is known as Question, Persuade and Refer (QPR). QPR follows the same chain of survival model as CPR. By recognizing warning signs and risk factors early and applying QPR, individuals can get help from professional services and receive professional assessment and treatment early.”
Accurately assessing and identifying suicidal and parasuicidal behaviors helps provide a better understanding of the level of risk. Understanding the difference between someone who is suicidal and parasuicidal helps gatekeepers and professionals target risk factors and begin to take action.
“The difference between suicidality and parasuicidality lies within intent,” says Killpack. “Someone who is suicidal struggles with suicidal thoughts and may begin forming a plan. Their overall intention is to end their life. Individuals suffering from parasuicidality may make an apparent attempt at suicide, known as a suicidal gesture. However, their intention is not death. They may utilize self harm or sublethal drugs to modulate their mood and the rush of endorphins caused by self harming behaviors to produce a sense of euphoria. Confusing suicidality and parasuicidality can be harmful to the individual. ”
By better understanding the risk factors, dispelling dangerous misconceptions about suicide and increasing awareness of suicide prevention, individuals can be better equipped to help prevent suicidality.
About Elevations RTC
Elevations RTC is a residential treatment center that offers guidance, support and relief to adolescents struggling with issues like trauma, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, behavioral problems and substance use. Elevations RTC is located in Utah and provides specialized, clinically intensive programs to struggling teens.