WORKSHOP

Suicide - dealing with the unspeakable

According to Eurostat, almost 48,000 people committed suicide in the EU in 2020. On

average, 200 people die by suicide in Estonia every year. Each suicide in turn affects an average of 135 people who have been in connection with the deceased, studies show. This means that a total of around 27 000 people suffer every year in Estonia.

The figures are even more worrying, when we add people who have had undocumented suicide attempts and people with suicidal thoughts or unspecified suicide plans.

For relatives, survivors and friends, suicide is a traumatizing experience, associated with powerlessness, guilt, shame, speechlessness and existential feelings.

As the majority of people at risk of suicide suffer from a mental illness (studies speak of 90%), people from the support system, such as psychotherapists, psychiatrists, general practitioners and others, are also affected. Their work is more difficult as suicide is continuously taboo - whether out of fear, insecurity or shame. 

Death, dying and suicide is an existential matter for all humans and therefore also for professional helpers. The primal human fear of death - consciously or unconsciously - is present. This is why we sometimes find it so difficult to talk about it. This uncertainty can make us insecure when our clients bring this topic into meetings.

In order to reduce fears and inhibitions, it is necessary to clarify your own attitude towards suicidal behavior. The primary aim of the workshop is to explore your own attitudes towards death and suicide and to develop a helpful way of dealing with it.

In addition to a thematic introduction, definition, epidemiology and risk factors, the following points will be addressed:

1. Professional experience and own biography in connection with suicide
2. Fears, resistances and avoidance strategies
3. Dealing with helpers personal reactions to suicidal clients
4. Self-care strategies and supervision

Examining one's own role as a specialist and discussion of possible uncertainties and questions with colleagues in a safe setting. There will be opportunity to share anonymous cases and personal questions to get professional support.

Target group: psychotherapists, psychiatrists, professionals from the education and social welfare system.

Methods: lecture, group discussion, small group work, work with creative methods.