Confident Caregiving: Recognizing and Responding to Suicide Risk

This two-day ICISF-registered class provides a practical framework for understanding suicide through the lenses of public health, mental health, and crisis intervention. Participants will examine the prevalence and impact of suicide and suicidal ideation, with attention to how suicide affects different populations. Applied scenario-based discussions and role play exercise will contribute through the following key topics. 

Key Topics 

• Myths and facts about suicide 
• Social, psychological, and biological factors that contribute to suicidal thoughts and behaviors 
• Assessment skills and indicators of elevated risk 
• Communication skills and ICISF critical incident intervention strategies 
• Cultural, ethical, and legal considerations 
• Postvention guidance, including referral and follow-up options to help restore safety and stability for individuals and agencies 

Caregiver Well-Being 

The class also addresses strategies for managing and maintaining the well-being of interventionists as they support individuals and organizations in crisis. 

Learning Objectives

• Describe psychological, biological, social, and occupational factors that may contribute to suicidal thoughts and behaviors, with emphasis on the occupational context. 
• Identify key risk factors and warning signs, including verbal cues, situational triggers, behavioral indicators, and populations at elevated risk. 
• Apply suicide risk assessment concepts, including intent, plan, and means, to help determine level of risk. 
• Practice individual and group CISM skills and communication techniques that support effective crisis response to individuals and organizations following a death by suicide. 
• Use the ICISF SAFER-R protocol as modified for suicide assessment and intervention. 
• Recognize the importance of self-care for helpers and identify strategies to support caregiver well-being.