Crisis Intervention for the Suicidal Adult

Abstract

A suicidal adult can be a vexing problem for the physician. The core of the problem usually entails a sense of helplessness and hopelessness. These feelings commonly develop after a loss or disappointment in one’s life and all attempts to cope with the tragedy seem to fail. The loss may be a loved one or a job, or someone may be threatening to leave. For example, a farmer thought that by the time he was 50 years old he would be out of debt; but now he is 50 and believes it will never occur, leaving him with a subjective loss of his future. Social isolation, anger, guilt, subjective feelings of loss of control, or manipulation as a way to recapture control is often a part of the picture. Sometimes depressed patients develop the hopeless belief that they can never feel better. The most useful interventions usually entail guiding the patient to some action they can take so they believe there can be a difference in their life, restoring a sense of control and hope.