Letting go of the suicide stigma in dentistry

Author's note: For Trisha, I think of you often, and I love you, and I miss you.

September can be a month of mourning when you have lost a friend or loved one to self-harm. September is National Suicide Prevention Month and today (September 10) is World Suicide Prevention Day. Suicide, unfortunately, impacts every community across the globe ... no matter the age, ethnicity, or educational background. Last year, suicide was the 12th leading cause of death in the U.S.

Middle-aged men and women are more likely to die by suicide than any other demographic. Sadly, suicide is the second-leading cause of death for children ages 10 to 14. Veterans, transgender individuals, and people living in rural areas often report suicidal ideation.

While dental professionals often only treat the physical health of a person's oral cavity, they must understand that they also influence a person's mental health. Because dental professionals see patients of a variety of ages and backgrounds, they have a chance of being a healthcare provider to a patient struggling with mental illness.

Regrettably, not everyone is comfortable discussing or acknowledging the act of suicide. Even worse, some people have no idea how to comfort the deceased's loved ones after they learn how that person died.

The stigma originates from many religious and cultural differences shining a negative light on the act of suicide. This negative connotation hurts many people, because a person who is having suicidal thoughts may not want to express the need for help because of fear or embarrassment.

And a person who has attempted suicide may hesitate to discuss it with healthcare professionals or counselors for fear of being judged. Additionally, the family and friends of the victim may delay grief and healing because of the stigma of suicide. Discussing suicide should never be considered wrong. In fact, by having open conversations about it, one may be doing something right for someone.

As a healthcare provider, dental professionals should recognize the severity of suicide ideation and the frequency with which suicide occurs. While it is not mandatory, any healthcare provider would benefit themselves, their patients, and their community if they recognized ways to help someone who is considering self-harm.

Research shows there are several common warning signs before a suicide typically takes place. Several community outreach programs hope to bring light to the stigma and eventually diminish it. Professional organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and the American Association of Suicidology all provide numerous resources to help educate, train, and guide those dealing with suicide or those hoping to help prevent more victims.

Dental professionals can offer to help a person considering suicide by suggesting that they call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. Dental professionals should also document in a patient's medical history if a patient expresses they are having suicidal ideations. Dental professionals can also raise awareness by participating in various events during September such as walks, coffeehouse conversations, public health training events, and support groups for victims and their loved ones.

The more that the stigma of suicide is erased, the healthier our community can be.

Editor's note: References are available upon request.

Tracee S. Dahm, MS, RDH, is an adjunct clinical instructor for the North Idaho College School of Dental Hygiene in Coeur d’Alene, ID. She also works in private practice. Dahm has published articles in several dental journals, magazines, and a textbook. Her research interests include trends in dental hygiene and improving access to dental care for the underserved. She can be reached at [email protected].

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