Attempted Suicide:
Suicide and homicide represent major source of morbidity and mortality in psychiatric practice. Suicide means killing of oneself. An attempted suicide is a suicidal act with non fatal outcome. It is common among all levels of people. The need to be loved and accepted along with a desperate wish to communicate, feeling of loneliness, worthlessness, helplessness and hopelessness often result in intense feelings of anxiety, depression and anger or hostility directed towards oneself. If no one is available to talk or to listen to such feelings of inferiority or inadequacy, a suicide attempt may occur in an effort to seek help or end as emotional conflict.
Causes
Psychiatric disorders e.g., depression, alcoholism drug dependence and schizophrenia. Physical Disorders patients with incurable or painful physical disorders like cancer and AIDS often commit suicide.
Nursing Interventions
If the patient has attempted suicide, restoxe physical health. 'e
Maintain life support-institute CPR, apply pressure if client is bleeding.
Assess vital signs and do a brief neurological assessment.
Maintain an open air way. Maintain fluid and electrolyte balance.
If client has overdosed, investigate name and quantity of drug taken, report immediately.
Provide a warm nurturing and protective environment.
Confine patient to a secure room and provide watchful care by staying with the person and by listening and be supportive.
Provide safe environment.
Establish a trusting relationship with the client by using empathy and respect.
Help the client to recognize, ventilate and accept feeling.
Secure a verbal stated promise not to attempt suicide again. Instead patient will seek out a staff member if he experiences suicidal thoughts.
Give a message of hope by being optimistic that life can be better and the patient will receive help in an attempt to solve his problem.