Non-violent Crisis Intervention Suicidal Threats

By. K. Neela Devi

The following document contains information about crisis and methods of prevention of crisis in an orderly and Non-violent manner. It also mentions the results of crisis - Suicide

Information About The Author:

Name: K. Neela Devi Email Address: kneeladevi@yahoo.co.in

Crisis?

Crisis is an emotionally stressful event or traumatic change in a person's life.

People are in a state of crisis when they face an obstacle to important life goals and obstacle that is, for a time, insurmountable by the use of customary methods of problem solving. --Caplan, 1961 an upset in equilibrium at the failure of ones traditional problem-solving approach which results in disorganization, hopelessness, sadness, confusion, and panic. --Lillibridge and Klukken, 1978 crisis is a perception or experience of an event or situation as an intolerable difficulty that exceeds the persons current resources and coping mechanisms. --James and Gilliland, 2001

Causes of Crisis:
Family Situations - a child abuse investigation, spouse abuse, an unplanned pregnancy, a parents desertion, a chronically ill family member, and lack of social supports are examples of family situations that can create stress and crises. Economic Situations - sudden or chronic financial strain is responsible for many family crises, such as loss of employment, eviction, no food, a theft of household cash or belongings, high medical expenses, missed child support payments, repossession of a car, utilities cut off from service, money lost to gambling or drug addiction, and poverty. Community Situations - neighborhood violence, inadequate housing, a lack of community resources, and inadequate educational programs illustrate some ways the community may contribute to family crises. Significant Life Events - events that most view as happy, such as marriage, the birth of a child, a job promotion, or retirement, can trigger crisis in a family; a child enrolling in school, the behaviors of an adolescent, grown child leaving the home, the onset of menopause, or the death of loved one can also be very stressful life events. a a a a

 Natural Elements -crises are created by disasters such as floods, hurricanes, fires, and earth quakes, or even extended periods of high heat and humidity, or gloomy or excessively cold weather.

Results of Crisis:
Crisis can lead to many mental stresses and in times of extreme hardship crisis may even result in Suicide. Suicide can be described as a fatal act of self-harm initiated with the intention of ending one's own life. Although often seen as impulsive, it is usually associated with years of suicidal behavior including suicidal ideation or acts of deliberate self-harm.

Suicide Warning Signs: How to tell whether a person is going to commit suicide or not? Talking about suicide Any talk about suicide, dying, or self-harm, such as "I wish I hadn't been born," "If I see you again...," and "I'd be better off dead." Seeking out lethal means Preoccupation with death Seeking access to guns, pills, knives, or other objects that could be used in a suicide attempt. Unusual focus on death, dying, or violence. Writing poems or stories about death.

No hope for the future

Self-loathing, self-hatred

Feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and being trapped ("There's no way out"). Belief that things will never get better or change. Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, shame, and self-hatred. Feeling like a burden ("Everyone would be better off without me"). Making out a will. Giving away prized possessions. Making arrangements for family members. Unusual or unexpected visits or calls to family and friends. Saying goodbye to people as if they won't be seen again. Withdrawing from friends and family. Increasing social isolation. Desire to be left alone.

Getting affairs in order Saying goodbye

Withdrawing from others Self-destructive behavior

Increased alcohol or drug use, reckless driving, unsafe sex. Taking unnecessary risks as if they have a "death wish."

Helping a person who has the idea of suicide:

Get professional help. Interventions, such as rapid tranquillisation and verbal de-escalation. Anger management(Control your anger - before it controls you). Follow-up on treatment.{ Tab.Haloperidol and lorazepam} Be proactive. Encourage positive lifestyle changes Make a safety plan. Remove potential means of suicide Continue support

Crisis intervention and management:

The goals of crisis intervention are to lessen the intensity, duration, and presence of a crisis that is perceived as overwhelming and that can lead to self-injurious behaviors. This is accomplished by shifting the focus from an emergency that is lifethreatening to a plan of action that is understandable and perceived as doable. The goal is to protect the individual from self-harm. In the process, it is critical to identify and discuss the underlying disorder, dysfunction, and/or event that precipitated the crisis. Involving family, partners, friends, and social support networks is advisable.

The objectives are to assist the patient in regaining mastery, control, and predictability. This is accomplished by reinforcing healthy coping skills and substituting more effective skills and responses for less effective skills and dysfunctional responses. The goal of crisis management is to re-establish equilibrium and restore the individual to a state of feeling in control in a safe, secure, and stable environment.

Personal Safety Techniques

Strikes Needle Spit Kick Punch Grabs Choke Hair pulling Bites Wrist pulls

Definitions

Strike: Weapon coming in contact with a target

Grab: attempt to control or destroy a part of ones anatomy

Principals of Personal Safety

Strike: 1. Block weapon

Grab: 1. Gain psychological advantage - Remain calm - Have a plan - Have an element of surprise Gain psychological advantage - Identify weak point in grab - Gain leverage - Get momentum

2. 2. Move target

Verbal Intervention Tips and Techniques

DO Remain calm Isolate situation Enforce limits Be aware of non-verbal and preverbal Be consistent LISTEN -

DONT Threaten Dont over react Dont get into power struggle Dont make false promises Dont use jargon

Snoezelen Therapy
Snoezelen or controlled multi sensory Environment (MSE) is a therapy for people with Suicidal ideation. It consists of placing the person in a soothing and stimulating environment, the "snoezelen room". These rooms are specially designed to deliver stimuli to various senses, using lighting effects, color, sounds, music, scents, etc. The combination of different materials on a wall may be explored using tactile senses, and the floor may be adjusted to stimulate the sense of balance. A small research study carried out in Brussels compared the behavior of nine adult clients with profound autism in both classroom and Snoezelen settings. Though individual results varied, the study claimed a 50% reduction in distress and stereotypical behavior, and seventy-five percent less aggression and self-injury in the Snoezelen environment.

SNOEZELEN and Mental Health

The relaxed, calming atmosphere or SNOEZELEN provides an ideal situation for the development of therapeutic relationships. As they experience the deep relaxation of SNOEZELEN, people suffering from tension, depression, or anxiety can open up to discuss feelings.

This effect occurs while in the SNOEZELEN environment, but also continues for the rest of the day.