Working with self harm and suicidal behaviour

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction 1. Understanding Suicide and Self-harm 2. Self-harm, Suicide and Stigma 3. Risk and Protective Factors for Self-harm and Suicide 4. Suicide and Self-Harm Across the Life-Span 5. Understanding and Responding to Self-Harm 6. Communicating with People who are Suicidal 7. Self-care: Professional and Personal Considerations 8. Suicide and Self-Harm Prevention and Reduction 9. Postvention 10. Self-harm and Suicide in Prisons, Schools and Emergency Departments

Suicide and self-harm are world-wide public health issues that can have devastating effects on families, friends and communities. They are both a priority for anyone working in mental health, social work, emergency departments and related fields, however suicidal and self-harming behaviour can take place anywhere anytime- it may be a pupil in a school, an inmate in a prison or a colleague or family member. For this reason, this book has been written in a clear, accessible and practical style for anyone who wants to learn more about working with and preventing suicidal and self-harming behaviour. * It identifies common risk and protective factors as well as specific warning signs of imminent suicidal behaviour. * It provides essential communication skills for undertaking a risk assessment, illustrating how each skill can be used in real-life practice. * It looks specifically at the issue of self-harm and suicide in prisons, schools and emergency departments. * It lays out clear strategies for identifying and addressing issues of self-care when working with people who are suicidal or who self-harm. * It identifies how we can assist those who are bereaved following the death of a loved one by suicide. Packed with learning outcomes, case scenarios and reflective questions, this book acts as a toolkit for anyone working in this difficult field.