Finally, there is evidence to suggest that there is an association between suicide
and self-harm in young people who are exposed to substance misuse.
The presence of protective features can help to prevent suicide:
• positive peer and family relationships
• an adult to talk to
• a belief in self
• the ability to think through choices and strategies
• a protective school environment
Practice pointers:
• It is good practice to routinely screen for suicide ideation where children
have experienced maltreatment
• Assess for the possibility that sexual abuse may play a contributory role in
cases of attempted suicide and suicide ideation.
• Consider the relationship between self-harm and suicide, is self harming a
sufficient release or is there a risk of self-harming with suicidal intent?
• Explore alternative ways of dealing with anxiety and depression
• Where bullying is a factor explore the social and personal factors in the
lives of both victims and perpetrators and the contribution they make to
suicide ideation.
• Understanding the chronology of events in a persons’ life helps to make
sense of why a suicide attempt occurs
• Consider the link between substance misuse and self-harm and suicide,
drug prevention strategies are an important as part of your intervention.