At the same time, the recent suicide deaths of several renowned individuals whose careers left their mark on our culture has refocused the spotlight on what is now being described as a public health crisis.
“Every therapy session with a patient is an opportunity to have a conversation, incorporate teaching moments, and assess for signs of suicide risk, which is the biggest red flag in our profession,” says Arshad Siddiqui, MD, Associate Medical Director of the outpatient Hamilton site at Princeton House. “It’s so important to make patients comfortable enough to talk about suicidal thoughts without fearing an overreaction.”
Building rapport is one of the best ways to encourage patients to openly share their concerns, according to Dr. Siddiqui.
“The patient-provider relationship is key, whether it’s the first visit or the 18th,” he says. “When providers focus on tacitly listening and getting to know each patient individually, it goes a long way in building that relationship and comfort level.”
For behavioral health providers, knowing when to refer a patient for a higher level of care is not always easy to determine. While every patient is unique, Dr. Siddiqui recommends specifically watching for changes in behavior, especially those that are isolating or involve disconnecting from family, friends, religious affiliations, or activities that were previously enjoyed. Engaging family members or loved ones in treatment when possible and keeping those lines of communication open is also important.
Therapists who have any uncertainty about suicide risk for a particular patient can call Princeton House at 800.242.2550, and a clinician from the Admissions Department can conduct a needs assessment over the phone at any time of the day or night. If you are concerned about a patient in crisis, Princeton Medical Center’s Behavioral Health Emergency Department in Plainsboro is open 24/7.
1. cdc.gov/vitalsigns/suicide
The Impact of High-Profile SuicidesWhen suicide impacts someone in the public eye who seemingly “had it all,” it can lead to comparisons and feelings of despair for those struggling with suicidal ideation. In these situations, Dr. Siddiqui recommends that therapists:
|
To Contact the Admissions Department at Princeton House, call 800.242.2550.
Article as seen in the Fall 2018 issue of Princeton House Behavioral Health Today.
