Social work intervention with suicidal individuals

Abstract

This research study is about the intervention of the social worker before and after the person attempts suicide. In order to obtain a better perspective of the type of help and services suicidal people are receiving, I interviewed ten professional social workers from different social work settings around Malta and Gozo. From this research one may conclude that no specialized social work setting is present in our country. Moreover, the social workers that deal with suicidal people do not have any standard procedures to guide them in their intervention with this sensitive client-group. The intention beyond this study is to point out what is lacking within the local social work practice and to see the social workers' level of preparation in providing adequate help and support to people who want to end their live. Surely, mental health carries a lot of stigma in our country and therefore, the social work professional may be a positive agent of change through prevention programs and awareness campaigns. Communication between the helping professionals should be strengthened in order that a more efficient and effective service is provided to the clients. Support to relatives of clients who attempted or died because of suicide should be professionally provided. Throughout the whole study one must keep in mind that this client-group is very vulnerable and therefore social workers should be attentive in their intervention. Several dilemmas surround the social work practice with suicidal people. These dilemmas may limit the social workers in giving adequate support. It is mentioned that this client group falls between two professions, that is, the psychiatric and social work profession. Intervention by both professions is needed to ameliorate the client's situation and to prevent that no further attempts are made