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Suicide Risk and Intervention

Look at these photos. Can you identify these famous people?

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Try to recall some other famous individuals who have committed suicide.

1. What are some common characteristics of high-profile suicides?

2. Can you recall reading that warning signs were present prior to the individuals’ committing suicide? 2

3. Can you name any risk factors that were present in any of the individuals (e.g., depression, alcohol/substance abuse, talk of suicide, prior attempts, isolation, hopelessness, marital problems, financial problems, stressful events, physical illness)?

4. Can you think of some statements an individual might make that might be cause for concern (e.g., “I have no future.”)?

5. Did any of the celebrities have mental disorders (e.g., mood disorder, substance abuse/dependency, schizophrenia)?

6. Did a significant shift in mood precede any of the celebrities’ suicides?

7. Do you recall reading about how surviving friends, family members, and/or fans of the celebrities were affected by the individual’s suicide?

8. Imagine that I tell you that “I am thinking about killing myself” .How should you react? Would his statement that I wouldn’t act on my suicidal thoughts reassure you?