Understanding and Preventing Suicide - by Kristine Bertini (Hardcover)

About the Book

Every 18 minutes, there is a suicide attempt somewhere in the United States, with some 30,000 of those resulting in completed suicide each year. Worldwide, there are more than 1 million suicides annually. We know the basic facts: Most of the people were depressed or suffered another mental illness, and many were facing stressful life events with which they could not cope. But is there no way to prevent the tragedy? Author Kristine Bertini, a clinical psychologist, says one of the most effective means may be to understand first how suicidal tendencies and thinking develop, how environment, biology, culture, and societal factors all play a role in predisposing some people to give up hope and see death as the only way to end their suffering. In this book, Bertini explains the development of suicidal thinking and, through patient vignettes, illustrates the ways this thinking develops. She also describes and illustrates signals friends and loved ones as well as professionals can watch for pointing to such thinking, which may be kept secretive by the person at risk, as well as approaches that can be used to alter tendencies and thinking for the person at risk.
Treatments and programs are explained for coping and recovery by those who consider or attempt suicide, as are approaches to help friends, family, and others affected by completed suicides. This work includes consideration of suicide letters and the insights they have given professionals trying to stop such losses, as well as difficult questions that have been raised about the right to suicide. An appendix lists hotlines, counseling, therapy, and other support services nationwide.

Book Synopsis

Every 18 minutes, there is a suicide attempt somewhere in the United States, with some 30,000 of those resulting in completed suicide each year. Worldwide, there are more than 1 million suicides annually. We know the basic facts: Most of the people were depressed or suffered another mental illness, and many were facing stressful life events with which they could not cope. But is there no way to prevent the tragedy? Author Kristine Bertini, a clinical psychologist, says one of the most effective means may be to understand first how suicidal tendencies and thinking develop, how environment, biology, culture, and societal factors all play a role in predisposing some people to give up hope and see death as the only way to end their suffering. In this book, Bertini explains the development of suicidal thinking and, through patient vignettes, illustrates the ways this thinking develops. She also describes and illustrates signals friends and loved ones as well as professionals can watch for pointing to such thinking, which may be kept secretive by the person at risk, as well as approaches that can be used to alter tendencies and thinking for the person at risk.

Review Quotes

"Fascinating case studies offer insight into the formative influences on suicidal ideas and ways that environment and sense of the self may influence vulnerability to suicide. The chapter 'Finding Meaning: Chosing Suicide and Life after Death' explores the angst that may lead to suicide and looks at suicide letters. Bertini brings to this study personal experience--she was profoundly touched by the suicides of some of her patients--and her intent here is to offer help to others coping with this issue. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readers." --Choice

About the Author

Kristine Bertini is Clinical Psychologist and Director of the University of Southern Maine Health and Counseling Service. She is Chair of the University Task Force on Suicide Intervention and a member of the Governor's Steering Committee on Suicide Prevention.