A Path Forward: Exploring Tools for Suicide Prevention

Suicide. Few words in the English language evoke a stronger emotional response.  For many, the word evokes feelings of dismay, tragedy, and confusion. For some, the word evokes an instant negative stigma…a discussion that should inherently be avoided. For others, the word evokes a misperceived solution to a temporary problem; a misperception that can prove fatal. This session seeks to explore the phenomenon of suicide from a preventative stance. From patients to cross-professional interactions, it is imperative that healthcare providers are able to recognize the warning signs for suicidal behavior and understand how to properly respond.  In addition to preventative measures, the potential role of pharmaceuticals is explored, with a focus on medications containing a ‘black box warning’ for suicidal thoughts and behavior.