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Alexis May

This course will explore the science of suicide research, prevention, and intervention. The field of suicide research is young and knowledge is rapidly changing. Topics will include terminology, epidemiology, historical and contemporary theories of suicide, modern approaches to suicide research, empirically supported approaches to prevention and intervention, the lived experiences of those with suicidal thoughts and attempts. Note: this course is not designed to address personal experiences with suicidal thoughts, suicide loss, or mental illness nor will it address assessing suicide risk among friends or family members. If you are thinking about suicide or are worried about someone else – please contact your local suicide prevention crisis center as soon as possible. Your life matters and help is available.

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This course will explore the science of suicide research, prevention, and intervention. The field of suicide research is young and knowledge is rapidly changing. Topics will include terminology, epidemiology, historical and contemporary theories of suicide, modern approaches to suicide research, empirically supported approaches to prevention and intervention, the lived experiences of those with suicidal thoughts and attempts. Note: this course is not designed to address personal experiences with suicidal thoughts, suicide loss, or mental illness nor will it address assessing suicide risk among friends or family members. If you are thinking about suicide or are worried about someone else – please contact your local suicide prevention crisis center as soon as possible. Your life matters and help is available.

Each module will include a quiz. The last module’s quiz will be cumulative.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Terminology and Epidemiology
History, Theories, and Modern Research
Public Awareness of Suicide
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Interventions for Suicide

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Designed for learners with no prior background knowledge
Well-structured with clear modules and a cumulative assessment
Covers a wide range of topics relevant to suicide prevention and intervention
Provides insights into the lived experiences of individuals with suicidal thoughts and attempts
Emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations in suicide prevention and intervention
Course is not designed to address personal experiences with suicide or mental illness

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Suicide Prevention with these activities:
Review aspects of psychology
This course will require mastery of basic terms and theories of psychology
Browse courses on Psychology
Show steps
  • Review your notes and textbooks
  • Take practice quizzes and tests
  • Rewatch video lectures
Practice working with suicide risk assessment tools
Practicing with these tools before the course begins will increase efficiency
Browse courses on Suicide Risk Assessment
Show steps
  • Access free or low-cost suicide risk assessment tools from reputable sources
  • Find a study partner or group to practice with
  • Use case studies or simulations to test your skills
Review 'Suicide: The Forever Decision' by Shneidman
This book offers a comprehensive overview of the topic
View The Suicidal Mind on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book and take notes
  • Summarize the main points of each chapter
Four other activities
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Show all seven activities
Engage in discussions with peers
Engaging in peer-led discussions can enhance understanding
Browse courses on Suicide
Show steps
  • Join online forums or discussion groups
  • Attend meetups or workshops
  • Form a study group with classmates
Create a mind map of suicide prevention resources
Creating a visual representation of resources can improve recall
Browse courses on Mental health support
Show steps
  • Gather information from reputable sources
  • Organize the resources into categories
  • Use a mind mapping tool or software
Connect with professionals in the field
Seeking guidance from experts can provide valuable insights
Show steps
  • Identify potential mentors through networking events
  • Reach out to professionals via email or LinkedIn
  • Request informational interviews or mentorship
Volunteer at a crisis support organization
Practical experience can enhance understanding and empathy
Browse courses on Suicide Prevention
Show steps
  • Inquire about volunteer opportunities
  • Research local crisis support organizations
  • Attend training and orientation
  • Provide support to individuals in crisis

Career center

Learners who complete Suicide Prevention will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Suicide Prevention Specialist
Suicide Prevention Specialists work with individuals and communities to prevent suicide. They may provide counseling, education, and support services. This course may be especially helpful for Suicide Prevention Specialists who wish to improve their understanding of suicide research, prevention, and intervention. It can also help build a foundation for those who want to enter the field of suicide prevention.
Crisis Counselor
A Crisis Counselor provides immediate support for people in emotional distress and crisis. A background in suicide prevention is ideal for this role, as Crisis Counselors may answer emergency calls or provide online chats to people in need. This course may be especially helpful for Crisis Counselors who wish to improve rapport with people who are suicidal or who have attempted suicide.
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. They may prescribe medication and provide therapy. This course may be useful for Psychiatrists who wish to specialize in suicide prevention or intervention.
Social Worker
Social Workers help people navigate problems that are rooted in societal structures and interpersonal relationships. Social Workers may specialize in many different areas, including mental health and suicide prevention. This course may be useful for Social Workers who wish to specialize in suicide prevention or intervention.
Mental Health Counselor
Mental Health Counselors provide counseling and therapy to people with mental health conditions. Mental Health Counselors may specialize in many different areas, including suicide prevention. This course may be especially helpful for Mental Health Counselors who wish to specialize in suicide prevention or intervention.
Funeral Director
Funeral Directors help families plan and carry out funerals. They may also provide grief counseling and support. This course may be useful for Funeral Directors who wish to specialize in helping families who have lost a loved one to suicide.
Death Doula
Death Doulas provide support and guidance to people who are dying and their families. They may help with end-of-life planning and provide emotional support. This course may be useful for Death Doulas who wish to specialize in helping people who are at risk for suicide.
Pediatric Palliative Care Nurse
Pediatric Palliative Care Nurses provide care to children who are dying. They may provide pain management, emotional support, and spiritual care. This course may be useful for Pediatric Palliative Care Nurses who wish to specialize in helping children who are at risk for suicide.
School Counselor
School Counselors provide counseling and support services to students. They may work with students individually or in groups. This course may be useful for School Counselors who wish to specialize in suicide prevention or intervention.
Public Health Nurse
Public Health Nurses work to improve the health of communities. They may provide education, counseling, and support services. This course may be useful for Public Health Nurses who wish to specialize in suicide prevention or intervention.
Victim Advocate
Victim Advocates provide support and assistance to victims of crime. They may also help victims to navigate the legal system. This course may be useful for Victim Advocates who wish to specialize in helping victims of suicide.
Hospice Nurse
Hospice Nurses provide care to people who are dying. They may provide pain management, emotional support, and spiritual care. This course may be useful for Hospice Nurses who wish to specialize in helping people who are at risk for suicide.
Grief Counselor
Grief Counselors help people cope with loss and grief. They may work with individuals, families, or groups. This course may be useful for Grief Counselors who wish to specialize in helping people who have lost a loved one to suicide.
Substance Abuse Counselor
Substance Abuse Counselors help people overcome addiction to drugs and alcohol. They may provide counseling, education, and support services. This course may be useful for Substance Abuse Counselors who wish to specialize in helping people who are at risk for suicide.
Psychologist
Psychologists provide therapy and counseling to people with mental health conditions. They may also conduct research on mental health. This course may be useful for Psychologists who wish to specialize in suicide prevention or intervention.

Reading list

We've selected seven books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Suicide Prevention.
Edwin Shneidman is one of the twentieth century's leading authorities on suicide, and in this classic work, he synthesizes his experience into a single volume, The Psychology of Suicide. Now in its second edition, The Psychology of Suicide offers a unique philosophical perspective on suicide, drawing on research, statistics, and clinical case examples to bring a rounded, empathetic perspective to the analysis of this psychology.
A wide-ranging and comprehensive guide to the most current scientific knowledge and intervention techniques regarding suicide. Lester presents a balanced and up-to-date review of the epidemiology, theories, and methods for studying and addressing suicide.
Preventing Suicide: A Global Imperative comprehensive and practical resource for suicide prevention. is organized in three sections that provide readers with information on the epidemiology of suicide, the evidence base for suicide prevention interventions, and specific guidance on how to implement suicide prevention programs.
Kaplan's Suicide: A Serious Public Health Problem comprehensive and accessible resource for understanding suicide. provides a historical and theoretical framework for understanding suicide, as well as practical strategies for prevention and intervention.
A classic work on suicide that provides a comprehensive overview of the topic. Shneidman's book is an essential resource for anyone who wants to understand the causes and prevention of suicide.
Is not directly about suicide, but it does provide a unique and important perspective on the ethics of medical research. Skloot's book tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, a young black woman whose cells were taken without her consent and used to create the HeLa cell line, which has been used in countless medical research studies.
Although written by a layperson, the Noonday Demon well-researched and insightful exploration of the nature and treatment of depression. could be a useful resource for anyone who is interested in learning more about the relationship between depression and suicide.

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