Nov 30, 2021
Worldwide, over 800,000 people die each year by suicide, leaving
many behind to grieve the loss.
Preventing suicide involves reaching people before they are in
crisis (prevention), helping them to
navigate a crisis that could result in suicide (intervention), and
addressing the aftermath of a suicide loss
or attempt (postvention). Healthcare professionals, including
occupational therapists, unitedly
acknowledge the lack of skills, knowledge, and competence in all
facets of suicide awareness and
prevention in their professional training and in practice. To
improve this situation, suicide prevention skills
must be taught in entry to practice programs, so they will filter
into the practice of all occupational
therapists.