Emotional Pain: Navigating Suicidal Behaviors in Clinical Practice

Suicide is a significant public health issue. Suicide is the leading cause of death for youth and young adults from ages 10 - 24. Many social workers engaged in clinical practice have encountered patients who have a history or current presenting issue of suicidal ideation - some with a plan and intent to die. Social workers have long been required to assess the severity of a patient's suicidal behaviors and depressive symptoms. Emotional pain is identified as a core clinical factor for understanding suicide during the assessment and intervention process (Verrocchio et. al, 2016).

This workshop will give special attention how cultural connectivity, attachment styles, traumatic events and substance use impact a patient's experiences of emotional pain influence suicidal behaviors over the lifespan.