All Posts Archives - Page 14 of 17

The Most Dangerous Time: Suicide After Discharge from a Psychiatric Hospital

May 30, 2013

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There are many characteristics that place a person at higher risk for suicide – depression, substance use, a prior suicide attempt, as examples. It is important for clinicians to know that an especially dangerous characteristic, one that exponentially increases the chances of suicide,…

Coping with a Loved One’s Suicide

by Stacey Freedenthal, PhD, LCSW

May 29, 2013

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The grief, loss, and bewilderment following the suicide of a loved one can be overwhelming. Many reactions are common, ranging from everything from shock to anger to self blame to considering suicide for yourself. There are questions, so many questions. “Why?” “What…

10 Reasons Teens Avoid Telling Parents about Suicidal Thoughts

by Stacey Freedenthal, PhD, LCSW

May 29, 2013

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Teenagers often tell me that they do not like to talk with their parents about their suicidal thoughts. Some teens do not tell their parents at all. There are many reasons why teens lock parents out. The biggest reason that teens give…

The Military, Veterans, and Suicide

by Stacey Freedenthal, PhD, LCSW

May 27, 2013

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On today, Memorial Day, I sadly note the dramatic increase in suicides among troops and veterans over the last decade or so. In a recent article, the New York Times reported devastating statistics: In 2002, the suicide rate among soldiers was roughly…

Do Antidepressants Cause Suicide?

by Stacey Freedenthal, PhD, LCSW

May 26, 2013

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Antidepressants and suicide are an odd combination. On the one hand, antidepressants reduce depression, which is a major cause of suicide. But – and this is an important “but” – there is also consistent evidence that, in a very small proportion of…

Documenting a Suicidal Client’s Risk: Do it Well, for their Sake and Yours

by Stacey Freedenthal, PhD, LCSW

May 25, 2013

“Client denied suicidal ideation.” “Client reports suicidal ideation but lacks plan or intent.” “Client reported only mild suicidal thoughts.” Many clinicians use these phrases in their clinical notes – and then say nothing else about suicide risk. Such minimalism is not good…