Attempted Suicide:

Suicide and homicide represent major source of morbidity and mortality in psychiatric practice.  Suicide means killing of  oneself.  An attempted suicide is a suicidal act with non fatal outcome.  It  is common among all levels of  people. The need  to be  loved and  accepted along with a desperate wish  to  communicate, feeling of  loneliness, worthlessness, helplessness and  hopelessness often result  in intense feelings of  anxiety, depression and anger or hostility directed towards oneself. If  no one is available  to  talk or to listen to such feelings of  inferiority or inadequacy, a suicide attempt may  occur in an effort to seek help or end as emotional conflict. 

Causes 

Psychiatric disorders  e.g.,  depression, alcoholism drug dependence and schizophrenia. Physical Disorders patients with incurable or painful physical disorders like cancer and AIDS often commit suicide. 

Nursing Interventions 

If  the patient has attempted suicide,  restoxe physical health. 'e  

Maintain life support-institute CPR, apply pressure if client is bleeding. 

Assess vital signs and  do a  brief  neurological assessment. 

Maintain an open air way. Maintain fluid and electrolyte balance. 

If client has overdosed, investigate name and quantity of drug taken, report immediately. 

Provide a warm nurturing and  protective environment. 

Confine patient to a secure room and provide watchful care by staying with the person and  by listening and be supportive. 

Provide safe environment. 

Establish a trusting relationship with the client by using empathy and respect. 

Help  the client to recognize, ventilate and  accept feeling. 

Secure a verbal stated promise not  to attempt  suicide again. Instead patient will seek out a staff member  if  he experiences suicidal thoughts. 

Give a message of  hope by  being optimistic that life can be better and  the patient will receive help in an attempt  to solve his problem.