Crisis Intervention Essay Example

despair or hostility along with other symptoms resulting in feelings of hopelessness, helplessness and despair.

Shneidman believes that suicide is a multifaceted problem stemming from "psychache." Despite its acknowledgment in mortality tables, it would be inaccurate to downplay the prevalence of suicide. The United States Center for Health Statistics requires clear proof of intent for a death to be classified as-suicide, which can be difficult to verify without accompanying notes. Additionally, suicide often goes unreported and is softened with euphemisms like Immanuel Kant's description of it as "the intention to destroy oneself."

The experience of contemplating suicide can seem both surreal and comforting, as noted by Nietzsche who believed it could help one endure difficult times. Those considering suicide often feel torn between the desire for relief from physical or emotional suffering and a fear of actually dying. Thankfully, there are more than two hundred American cities with specialized centers and resources dedicated to preventing suicide.

The high number of individuals seeking aid at these centers indicates a desire to find resolution for their distressing situations. Throughout history, suicide has existed as a common occurrence, closely linked to homicide and dating back to the beginning of human existence. The rationales behind suicide and societal perspectives towards it have differed greatly over time and across various civilizations, with some periods regarding it as a valid course of action.

Samson was captured by the Philistines due to betrayal by his lover Delilah. Seeking revenge, Samson demolished a Philistine temple which resulted in the death of both him and his enemies. Suicide has been considered a form of penance or retribution for severe mistakes. Judas Iscariot hanged himself using a halter

after betraying Christ, while Socrates consumed poison hemlock for allegedly corrupting the youth.

In ancient Greece, suicide was widely condemned by influential philosophers such as Aristotle and Plato. Aristotle deemed it unmanly, cowardly, and an offense against the state while Plato disapproved of it for religious reasons. Many other Greeks at that time shared these views and those who committed suicide often had their hand cut off as symbolic punishment. Similarly, in Roman history there are many familiar stories of suicide.

Examples of notable individuals who took their own lives include Lucretia, daughter of a prefect in Rome and wife of Tarquinius Collatinus, who stabbed herself to escape shame after being dishonored by Sextus, son of a king. Cleopatra, last queen of Egypt, resided in Rome with Julius Caesar for a period before taking her own life by allowing an asp to bite her following the suicide of her lover Mark Antony. Nero, emperor of Rome who was overthrown during a revolt, was assisted by his secretary to stab himself to death. Additionally, Seneca, a Stoic who believed that one can return to where they came from and need not be unhappy, took his own life on Nero's orders after being accused of conspiring against him.

Although suicide has been accepted by some cultures, it has generally been condemned throughout history. In the Koran, suicide is viewed as a more severe offense than murder, and states that death can only occur by God's permission at an appointed time. Buddhism also opposes suicide, as it believes that death leads to immediate rebirth and that one must live their allotted lifespan to endure the sufferings of past wrongdoings. Additionally,

Buddhists argue that voluntary death prevents one from receiving the rewards of their good deeds. Similarly, Judaism rejects suicide, despite instances of suicide occurring in the Bible without any explicit disapproval noted. Even when soldiers of Josephus proposed suicide as an alternative to surrendering during a battle against the Romans, Josephus argued against the idea.

The author views suicide as a criminal act and values the soul as a precious gift from God. They believe that it should not be taken lightly and that the causes of suicide often come from feelings of despair or sadness. Although everyone experiences bouts of sadness, which are a normal part of human life, kind gestures or pleasant weather may not always lift our spirits.

According to MacLean (1990), occasional feelings of sadness can actually benefit our overall life experience. Such emotions are integral to our daily cycle, offering significance and preventing boredom. Without comprehending depression, we would appear abnormal and be unable to empathize with others' challenges. Additionally, while anxiety frequently coincides with depression, it may also serve as a catalyst for creativity and drive.

Although anxiety can drive achievement in successful people, it is vital to acknowledge the gravity of depression symptoms and their connection to suicidal actions, particularly in those with a history of suicide attempts. Grasping the concept of depression is essential for understanding suicidal tendencies as it frequently produces emotions of helplessness and incapability to surmount challenges like bereavement, job or educational pressure, or failed prospects.

Experiencing hopelessness and having a belief that everything will end in failure can result in a sense of futility, which may prompt some individuals to contemplate suicide. Depression and suicide are

frequently associated with various factors such as distressing life events, poverty, isolation, lack of parental support, parental pressure for teenagers to conform, and the difference between one's aspirations and reality (MacLean, 1990). The aftermath of suicide can have severe repercussions on surviving loved ones. This raises questions about whether it signifies a more traumatic type of death and how it influences physical and mental health problems among those left behind. Coping with such loss is comparable to navigating a stormy sea for a ship captain.

The world is like a sea, in constant flux and turbulence. Grief can be compared to a powerful wind that causes water to rise and create tumultuous waves. Our bodies are akin to ships, possessing the knowledge, skills, and capabilities required to maneuver through the unpredictable waters around us. Nevertheless, during storms, we may lose some of our resources or become too disoriented to utilize our own machinery effectively. Additionally, we must act as captains of our vessels by establishing objectives, evaluating potential impediments and taking appropriate measures to achieve our desired destination.

As captains, we are tasked with multiple destinations and goals, ranging from the basic need to keep the ship afloat and survive, to reaching the farthest destinations. During calm weather, it is relatively easy to stay on course, but during heavy storms, we must struggle to avoid being helplessly adrift, tossed wherever the currents and waves take us. Our well-being relies on the condition of the ship and the sea, as well as the captain. A rough sea, with multiple currents, strong winds, and sudden events, makes our journey difficult. A small, feeble ship with limited abilities is at

risk of being easily destroyed. An inexperienced captain is also less likely to navigate effectively or take necessary protective measures against any overpowering waves.

To sum up, Mishara (1995) proposes that events like environmental shifts and personal losses test our capacity and resources to uphold our objectives and convictions. The scale of a loss is determined by the disparity between its size and the means available to handle it. Therefore, the impact of a loss influences the quantity and significance of tasks encountered by those in mourning. For instance, losing a close friend might lead to losing their assistance, but how much this loss affects us depends on other sources of social support that are accessible.

Experiencing a loss from bereavement can affect various aspects of a person's life. To fully understand the impact, all related components must be considered. The relationship between the deceased and the bereaved individual, including family ties, frequency of contact, intimacy, ambivalence, and proximity can determine the extent of this process. Additionally, factors such as whether the event was expected or unexpected and peaceful or violent can influence themes that arise during bereavement. Ultimately, each unique psychosocial situation surrounding a loss will determine the challenges faced by those who are grieving.

It is widely agreed that the kinship connection to the deceased is crucial when evaluating the impact and understanding the reactions of those who are grieving. The kinship bond serves as a common denominator for various roles and resources that are lost, and is a critical factor in determining the extent of the loss. The loss of a spouse stands apart from other family relationships in several ways, including roles, objectives, and

social characteristics. As a provider of security and support, the spouse assumes an essential role, and the couple commonly operates as a social unit. Additionally, the intricacies of daily life are heavily intertwined in spousal relationships. Interestingly, evidence indicates that the functioning differences between spouses are opposite those observed in other kinship groups (Mishara BL).

One crucial method to prevent suicide is effective communication (1995). If someone exhibits at-risk behavior, it's important to show concern and discuss their struggles. It's also vital to seek help if you are experiencing difficulties. Talking through problems with a friend, parent, or professional can make a significant impact.

Whether the issue is significant or minor, it's crucial to acknowledge and address it truthfully without minimizing its importance. It's essential to confide in someone about any concerns and lend an ear if someone confides in you.

There are various opinions regarding the value and effectiveness of suicide prevention efforts. Some people contend that it is not worth pursuing or that it has no merit, citing the increase in suicide rates, particularly among young individuals, despite the proliferation of suicide intervention programs. Others reject the notion of a "suicide epidemic," insisting that only those with mental illnesses commit suicide, making prevention challenging. Additionally, some parents and school administrators fear that discussing suicide may trigger more suicides and thus resist intervention initiatives. The sole exception to this trend is Britain which experienced a notable decline in suicides by 37% recently.

Ignoring or being unaware of a person's serious mental illness during counseling can further damage their psyche, as stated by Blumenthal and Davis (1990). While some may argue that suicide awareness is overly emphasized, the evidence

from surveys and statistics concerning teenagers and the elderly speak for themselves. Additionally, suggesting that discussing suicide does more harm than good is questionable. Addressing the topic openly, like discussing sex, drugs, and crime, whenever someone feels the need can be a valuable approach. It demonstrates that both the topic and the individual are being taken seriously.

It shows that facing the subject of suicide does not generate fear. The argument that suicide prevention efforts are ineffective is invalid. Even if one person is saved, it justifies their existence. Suicide prevention centers have done far more than that. According to the latest evaluation, in 1980, more than 600 young women's lives were saved nationwide because they were able to access help from crisis intervention centers. However, men and older women are not as likely to seek help as most clients are young white women.

Despite the positive recognition and support that crisis intervention centers and suicide education programs have received, there are still individuals and organizations hesitant to address suicide. This is likely due to the belief that ignoring the topic will make it go away. However, a few high school newspapers are advocating for suicide education programs and counseling for troubled teenagers who exhibit suicidal behavior. While only some states have made suicide prevention programs mandatory in schools, other states and Congress are considering similar legislation. Additionally, certain communities have established professionally-run suicide prevention centers which focus on understanding the needs of suicidal individuals and specialize in training staff to effectively help them.

Volunteer workers in suicide prevention centers undergo training to work with suicidal patients. They learn how to manage suicidal behavior instead of fearing it.

The Suicide Prevention and Crisis Center (SPCS), Inc. is a prime example of how a suicide center operates, providing services to Erie County under contract. The SPCS boasts a professional team including an Executive Director, Research Director, Clinical Director, and Training Director.

The SPCS provides services with professional therapists such as psychologists and social workers. In addition, full-time lay counselors, who received special training at the Center and volunteers, including medical students, housewives, and teenagers, offer part-time services directly to patients (Freedman, 1987). The main service provided by the SPCS is a twenty-four-hour telephone therapy service. There is always at least one worker available at the Center to talk to individuals who call in to discuss their problems. During periods of high demand, up to four or five counselors may be available.

The Center has both full-time lay counselors and volunteers who are available to answer phone calls from patients at all times. The full-time counselors primarily handle calls during the day, while the volunteers remain at the Center during night-time hours. Patients call on different lines that are promoted in unique ways and therefore attract different types of callers - The Suicide Prevention Line, the Teenage Hot Line, and the Problems in Living Line. In a month, telephone counselors talk to approximately 2000 patients and respond to another 2000 incomplete calls where the caller hangs up immediately or makes obscene or humorous comments before disconnecting. To help guide callers constructively, counselors use methods such as reflecting feelings and asking appropriate questions at specific times. Within a short period of time, the taboo of discussing suicide dissipates, allowing telephone counselors to speak directly and productively with

callers about their feelings of wanting to end their life.

There are psychotherapists who feel uncomfortable when dealing with suicidal patients. They worry that if the patient takes their life, they will take the blame. This unease is partly because most therapists do not work with many suicidal patients and hence have limited experience with them. However, telephone therapists who work with a large number of such patients become desensitized to the issue and gain valuable experience in helping distressed individuals.

Telephone therapy poses various difficulties. The therapist needs to be mindful of the timing and display empathy towards the patient, who may end the call suddenly. Additionally, the therapist must communicate efficiently with someone in crisis, possibly crying or struggling to speak clearly. Finally, callers may feel uncertain and overly distrustful, questioning if the conversation is being recorded and if the therapist has adequate qualifications for counseling.

Therapy over the phone presents various difficulties for counselors, including the challenge of managing multiple calls at once. When several lines light up, therapists may need to request certain callers to hold while they attend to others. This can be difficult when trying to recall brief conversations with clients. If a caller is in a high-risk situation, such as being severely suicidal and having access to weapons or harmful substances, therapists may determine that immediate action is necessary. While therapists cannot leave their center to see patients, they can contact authorities like the police or ambulance to take the caller directly to a hospital.

Despite severe suicidal behavior, this type of action is rarely carried out. The therapist may suggest that the individual rest or seek medical attention independently if they

determine that the threat has subsided (Menminger, 1938). Although only about 20% of calls to the SPCS Suicide Prevention Line are related to suicide thoughts, callers who do not mention this topic may still have suicidal tendencies. Speaking with a telephone therapist may become a regular part of some individuals' lives rather than just a crisis intervention measure.

Chronic callers, who may call more than 100 times and become familiar to staff, often use the service to vent their feelings rather than seeking crisis support. Without this type of support, they may require hospitalization, making telephone therapy a more cost-effective and agreeable alternative. If the therapist determines that telephone therapy is not appropriate, other options include referring the caller to a specialist for a specific issue (such as a doctor, lawyer, or Planned Parenthood), encouraging them to seek in-person therapy at SPCS, contacting a psychiatrist, or seeking therapy through a family services organization.

Irrespective of the situation, one can always seek support from a phone therapist when they feel the need. Specific subgroups have more pronounced suicide concerns than the overall population. Young people, for whom suicide is a leading cause of death, are likelier to commit suicide if they are married rather than single. In teenagers, suicidal tendencies seem to be predominantly associated with struggles in managing sexual impulses and defining sexual identity alongside maintaining self-worth while facing academic pressure.

The highest suicide rates for black individuals occur during youth, while white individuals experience higher rates in old age. Unemployment and family dynamics are significant factors contributing to this trend. Additionally, black individuals are more susceptible to victim-precipitated homicide. American Indians living on reservations have alarming levels

of suicide rates that are almost epidemic due to the deterioration of tribal cultural norms used for coping with aggression and low self-esteem.