This course will provide an in-depth exploration of suicide, and the psychological and societal links to this phenomenon. Students will examine suicide from multi-dimensional perspectives, including biological, psychological, sociocultural, and systemic. Students will explore the origins and history of suicide, be provided with a broad systemic basis for evaluating and understanding individuals that present with such ideation, understand the possible stigmatization and psychological/emotional impact of this presentation on individuals, families, friends, and community, and learn about the current prevention and treatment options, including trauma work, psychoeducation, psychopharmacology, psychedelics, and other therapeutic modalities. This class examines the cultural context within which our values about life and death are developed and defined, including the messages from our family of origin and religious communities We will be discussing in depth such issues as suicide in different populations (e.g., youth, military veterans, new mothers, and the queer community). Students will look at the development of mental health disorders linked to higher suicide risk (e.g., depression, certain personality disorders, anorexia nervosa). Additionally, topics for review will include euthanasia, the experience of being a suicide hotline volunteer, “survivor’s guilt” and the “Caring Letter. Project” for suicide prevention. We will look into the psychological, emotional, and societal influences on changing rates of suicide in this country.
**Please Note:
Due to the sensitive nature of this course, students who enroll in this class should be aware that it will cover many important themes related to this topic area in great detail. Although every effort will be made to offer a supportive, respectful, and compassionate learning environment, some of the information may be difficult and activating for students with a history of suicidal ideation, or personal loss of a friend or loved one to suicide.
Myth: Talking about suicide will lead to and encourage suicide.
Fact: There is a widespread stigma associated with suicide and as a result, many people are afraid to speak about it. Talking about suicide not only reduces the stigma, but also allows individuals to seek help, rethink their opinions and share their story with others. We all need to talk more about suicide.
~National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 2022
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health, suicide or substance use crisis or emotional distress, reach out 24/7 to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) by dialing or texting 988 or using chat services at suicidepreventionlifeline.org to connect to a trained crisis counselor. You can also get crisis text support via the Crisis Text Line by texting NAMI to 741741.
