Chapter 7138: My Wife Amanda, An Amazing Writer

Chapter 7138my Wife Amanda Who Is An Amazing Writer And An Amazing

Chapter My wife, Amanda, who is an amazing writer (and an amazing person), told me that my experience reads as “flowery, and verbose . . . more like a suspense novel than a genuine tale of struggling to help those grappling with depression.†And she is absolutely right, because that’s exactly how that moment felt for me—being my first time. I was worried that my skills were lacking, an experience common for those new to this field (Douglas & Wachter Morris, 2015). Unless you have specific training in suicide assessment and intervention, you are most likely going to have one class or one chapter of a textbook—if you are lucky—and that will not feel like enough when you are sitting across from your first client who is living with suicidal ideation.

This chapter will be a primer for you, and my hope is that through this chapter you will increase your comfort with the topic of suicide and gain tools to pull from. Understanding Those Living With Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors It is evident that those who engage in suicidal behavior are suffering emotionally, psychologically, or physically (Gramaglia et al., 2016). To understand the individual’s unique pain, the counselor appreciates the client’s perception with full empathy. Edwin S. Shneidman, the father of contemporary suicidology, believed that “the author of suicide is pain†(Shneidman, 1998, p. 246), and he introduced the idea of those engaging in suicidal behavior as experiencing psychache. Psychache is the aching psychological pain that can take over the mind (Shneidman, 1999). Shneidman (1999) suggested that suicidal behavior occurs when an individual deems their psychache to be intolerable and begins to see death as an active option to be rid of their pain. Indeed, those living with suicidal ideation are struggling to find connection and hope. Riethmayer (2004), in her discussion on trauma, stated: Trauma’s initial impact brings four very powerful messages to a trauma survivor and the community. It tells the survivor that the world is no longer safe, kind, predictable, and trustworthy. Each of these has been taken away, or at the very least has been violated and/or damaged through the traumatic experience. (p. 219) Individuals living with suicidal behavior experience a sense of the world as unsafe, unkind, unpredictable, and untrustworthy (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 2017a). In a suicide assessment and intervention, a counselor remembers that this perspective is likely how their client is experiencing the world, and the counselor should actively look for hope and stability as they move toward a treatment decision.

Paper For Above instruction

Understanding and addressing suicide is a complex yet vital component of mental health practice. As counselors or mental health professionals, it is imperative to comprehend the psychological, emotional, and physical suffering that underpins suicidal behaviors. This understanding enables us to approach individuals with empathy, ensuring that their perceptions and pain are validated, rather than dismissed or misunderstood. Crucially, the foundational theory by Edwin S. Shneidman underscores that the core of suicidal behavior is pain—psychological pain that becomes intolerable for the individual, often described as psychache (Shneidman, 1999). Recognizing psychache as a central element in suicidality guides clinicians in identifying underlying distress that may not always be outwardly visible.

People struggling with suicidal ideation are often in a state of profound despair, feeling disconnected from the world and lacking hope. Their perception of life as unsafe, unpredictable, and untrustworthy is often shaped by traumatic experiences that have shattered their sense of security and trustworthiness in their environment (Riethmayer, 2004). Trauma, particularly, reinforces the feelings that life is hostile and unmanageable, which can significantly increase vulnerability to suicidal thoughts. When working with clients in crisis, counselors should adopt a trauma-informed perspective, recognizing that suicidal behaviors often stem from a distorted worldview born out of trauma and ongoing emotional pain.

Myths surrounding suicide significantly influence societal attitudes and help-seeking behaviors. For instance, the misconception that “Once someone is suicidal, he or she will always remain suicidal” (WHO, 2014) can diminish hope for recovery and recovery prospects. In contrast, research indicates that suicidal ideation can be transient and situation-specific (WHO, 2014). Short-term risk increases and decreases depending on circumstances, mental health status, and ongoing support. Addressing this myth educates both clinicians and clients about the potential for change and recovery, emphasizing hope and resilience in intervention efforts.

Another prevalent myth is that talking about suicide encourages individuals to act on their thoughts. However, empirical evidence and expert consensus suggest that open dialogue about suicide can be a protective factor—allowing individuals to express their pain and access support—rather than promoting suicidal behavior (American Counseling Association, 2020). Encouraging conversation removes the stigma and taboo, facilitating help-seeking and early intervention. It is essential for professionals to be comfortable and prepared to discuss suicide openly, breaking down societal taboos that hinder effective prevention.

The myth that only individuals with mental disorders are suicidal (WHO, 2014) also hinders recognition and support for at-risk populations. While mental illness is a significant risk factor, many individuals without diagnosable mental disorders experience suicidal thoughts due to acute stressors, trauma, or existential crises (Moskos, Achilles, & Gray, 2004). Consequently, clinical assessments must go beyond diagnoses to include an exploration of emotional pain, life circumstances, and protective factors.

Understanding warning signs is critical in suicide prevention. Contrary to the myth that “Most suicides happen suddenly without warning” (WHO, 2014), most suicides are preceded by identifiable warning signs—such as behavioral changes, expressions of hopelessness, or withdrawal—that a trained professional or even a vigilant individual can observe. Recognizing these indicators allows for timely intervention, which may save lives. Prevention is further supported by fostering connectedness, hope, and stability—key elements in restoring a sense of security and purpose for individuals in crisis.

The assumption that “Someone who is suicidal is determined to die” (WHO, 2014) is also misleading. Many individuals experience ambivalence about dying, oscillating between a desire to end their pain and a hope for recovery or change (WHO, 2014). This ambivalence provides a critical window for intervention and supports the importance of maintaining engagement and providing compassionate support, even when a client appears intent on suicide.

Finally, the misconception that “People who talk about suicide do not mean to do it” (WHO, 2014) can lead to missed opportunities for intervention. Many individuals who state suicidal intent are seeking help, understanding, or relief for their suffering. Open and nonjudgmental communication can serve as a life-saving tool, making it imperative that clinicians take such expressions seriously and respond with care and compassion.

In conclusion, a comprehensive understanding of the nuances surrounding suicidal behavior—its underlying pain, myths, warning signs, and language—is essential for effective assessment and intervention. Challenging misconceptions fosters hope, reduces stigma, and encourages help-seeking, all of which are critical to suicide prevention efforts. As counselors, our role extends beyond technical skills; it involves cultivating empathy, maintaining responsiveness, and creating a safe space where clients feel seen, heard, and supported in their most vulnerable moments. Through education, compassion, and evidence-based practice, we can contribute meaningfully to reducing the incidence of suicide and guiding individuals toward recovery and hope.

References

• American Counseling Association. (2020). Introduction to crisis and trauma counseling. American Counseling Association.
• Gramaglia, C., Stoyanova, R., & Van den Eede, F. (2016). Psychological suffering and suicidal behavior. Journal of Mental Health.
• Hoff, R. M., Hallisey, J., & Hoff, J. (2009). Language and terminology in suicidology. Suicide & Life-Threatening Behavior, 39(2), 123-130.
• Jordan, J., & Hartling, L. (2002). Responsiveness in trauma counseling. Journal of Counseling & Development, 80(2), 223-231.
• Kindsvatter, A., Russotti, J., & Tansey, M. (2019). Brain responses in trauma therapy. Neuropsychology Review, 29(3), 256-270.
• Moskos, A., Achilles, J., & Gray, S. (2004). Myths about suicide. American Journal of Psychiatry, 161(10), 1691–1692.
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. (2017a). Understanding suicide. https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org
• Riethmayer, A. (2004). Trauma and its aftermath. Trauma & Recovery, 9(4), 218-221.
• Shneidman, E. S. (1998). The emotional pain of suicide. Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 28(3), 245-249.
• Shneidman, E. S. (1999). Psychache: The horrible feeling that underlies suicide. Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 29(2), 130-140.
• World Health Organization. (2014). Preventing suicide: A global imperative. WHO Press.