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FEMINIST SUICIDE INTERVENTION

Feminist suicide intervention is more directive than basic feminist support. This shift in direction can seem contraindicative to usual feminist philosophy and practice.

Often a person who is considering suicide doesn't have information about all of her options, or she is so overwhelmed by the "pain of being alive", that she is unable to make a clear choice. Our interventions are intended to buy time in order to explore other options and to be with her during this difficult period.

1. We assure confidentiality - but

-she has now included you
-why is she telling you?
-even when I break name confidentiality, I maintain all other information

2. Feminist model says we support women's decisions but

-this is situational
-we premise full support on women having information on all their options
-a suicidal client does not see any other options
-If suicide is the right choice, she can do it later
-the option of suicide is not being taken away, we are only providing the opportunity to take more time to think out whether she wants to take this irrevocable option.

How To Respond Without Taking Power

1. Counseling Suicide calls

-suicide can be construed as a positive sign
-it indicates that at some level the person cares about herself, she wants to stop her pain

2. Get Rapport

-exchange names
-I'm glad you told me/called me
-it took a lot of strength for you to tell me this/make this call
-it's not easy

3. Ensure The Client Trusts You

-make it clear that you will not break under the weight of her problems (This is very important in EVERY call)

4. Ensure The Client Is Safe

-"Do you think you could put the pills/gun away while we talk?"

5. Recognize The Ambivalence Is Associated With Every Decision

-suicide is no exception - this is why she called
-explore the ambivalence (about killing herself) throughout the call

6. Dealing With The Feelings

-do not trivialize her feelings
-acknowledge and validate her feelins but emphasize "this is how you are feeling now"
-if you encourage her to deny or bottle up her feelings, you are telling her you cannot handle it - she will respond to this by protecting you but her feelings will not go away
-suicidal individuals often generalize and see everything as all or nothing- there are no middle areas
Examples:
1. "Everybody hates me. " dont argue, ask "Who hates you?"
2. "Can you tell me about them/the relationship",
3. "How will they be better off without you?"
4. "What about your mother/sister/kids/your pet/etc? "Do they hate you?"
-don't challenge or confront
-don't be judgemental
-don't offer platitudes
Example:
1. Don't say "I know how you feel." "I care about you." "Things will look better in the morning." Every cloud has a silver lining."
2. Do say "I care about whether you live or die."
-don't present her with reasons to go on living - you cannot come up with reasons for her to go on, you can only help her focus on the pros and cons of dying/living.
-use positive language
Example:
1. "What do you think?" versus "Don't you think that.... "
2. "I'm glad you can share these feelingsn with me." versus "I'm sorry you are feeling so rotten."
-use time limited worked to acknowledge painful feelings
Example:
1. "It's been a bad week for you."
2. "You're feeling really bad right now."
-look into the future
-talk about the positives/possibilities of the future, especially if the present is really bad (Do not use this with adolescents because they have a limited view of the future. Instead, look for something positive in the present)
-set goal rather than trying to convince her everthing is OK

7. Explore Other Ways In Which She Has Or Can Gain Control

-it is important to present/explore options: OPTIONS = CONTROL
-most importantly, leave as much control as you an with her even if intervention is required. Remember, a suicidal individual feels powerless enough without you taking any more control away.

8. Discuss Keeping Her Safe After The Call

-ensure that she has concrete plans to implement which will ensure her safety Example: calling a friend/relative etc. to come by and stay with her
-it is important to remember that coming out of a depression does not equal safety. Antidepressants take up to three weeks before they take effect but they give the person immediate energy. This means you may now have someone who is very depressed with enough energy to do something about it.

9. Contract With Her

-do not contract too early
-make sure the suicidal feelings have subsided before starting to contract
-make sure the contract does not have any loopholes
Example:
1. "You may not get me when you call back, but there is always someone here to return your call."
2. -ensure that the contract is fully understood - have her repeat it
-ensure that the contract is fully agreed to
Example:
1. "I'll try," is not good enough in which case you have to rework the contract
2. -do not put yourself in an unreasonable position
3. -ask for a commitment - before taking steps to commit suicide,
4. -promise to call the crisis line, call back in one hour/later that night/the next day.

FEMINIST SUICIDE INTERVENTION

How To Respond Without Taking Power

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