Suicidality and Prevention with Unique Populations
by Dr. Melanie Chung-Sherman, DSW, LCSW-S, PLLC, Adult Adoptee Therapist
Encompass Adoptees Adoption Issues Online Speaker Series
Presentation Description:
According to the Centers for Disease Control the U.S. suicide rate increased by 2.6% from 2021-2022 with the highest rates of suicides by females ages 10-14 years old and males 45-64 years old ([CDC], 2016). It is one of the ten leading causes of death (CDC, 2023) within the general population, but when these statistics are deconstructed there are factors to consider such as race, gender expression, sexual identity, immigrant status, mental health, and more related to the needs of unique populations. LGBTQIA+ youth, particularly transgender youth, are at an increased risk of suicide attempts as well as death by nearly 50% of the general population (Haas, et al. 2011). In October 2013, the University of Minnesota’s Department of Psychology released their longitudinal findings about suicide behavior, adoption status, and non-adoption status among siblings, which revealed that adopted youth were four times more likely to attempt suicide than their non-adopted peers (Keys, et al., 2013). Within communities of color, particularly African-American, veteran, and immigrant communities, there is a heightened risk of suicide attempts and completion (Crosy & Molock, 2006; Chung, et al., 2015).
While minority-status alone does not cause suicidal ideation or attempts, it is critical to examine the unique variables that may contribute to a higher risk of suicide within special populations that social workers encounter including, but not limited to the LGBTQIA community, people of color, and special needs to name a few. In accordance to the NASW Code of Ethics, it is critical that social workers remain knowledgeable and proficient in analyzing suicidal risk factors to intervene and help prevent death by suicide, but equally important is addressing suicidality in unique populations through a culturally competent lens. Conversely, social workers must also learn to address the protective factors that may enhance resiliency and reduce suicidal risk.
This two-hour interactive workshop will explore some of the unique factors to consider related to suicidality and unique populations, particularly within the adoption community, as well as equip attendees with rudimentary knowledge of the following by utilizing video, lecture, and audience participation:
Unique factors relevant to culturally-competent suicide risk management
Common myths related to suicidality and mental health
Basic intervention strategies related to suicide prevention and education including Zero Suicide Initiative
Recognizing the differences between non-lethal self-harm and suicide thoughts or attempt
Prevention resources to better educate the broader community
References
Chung, I. W., Caine, E. D., Barron, C. T., & Badaracco, M. A. (2015). Clinical and psychosocial profiles of asian immigrants who repeatedly attempt suicide: A mixed-method study of risk and protective factors. Crisis: The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention, 36(5), 353-362. doi:http://dx.doi.org.library.collin.edu/10.1027/0227-5910/a000334
Crosby, A., & Molock, S. D. (2006). Suicidal Behaviors in the African American Community. The Journal of Black Psychology, 32(3), 1–9. http://doi.org/10.1177/0095798406290552
Curtin S.C., Warner, M. & Hedegaard, H. (2016). Increase in suicide in the United States, 1999–2014. NCHS data brief, no 241. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db241.htm
Haas, A. P., Eliason, M., Mays, V. M., Mathy, R. M., Cochran, S. D., D’augelli, A. R., … Clayton, P. J. (2011). Suicide and Suicide Risk in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Populations: Review and Recommendations. Journal of Homosexuality, 58(1), 10–51. http://doi.org/10.1080/00918369.2011.534038
Keyes, M. A., Malone, S. M., Sharma, A., Iacono, W. G., & McGue, M. (2013). Risk of Suicide Attempt in Adopted and Nonadopted Offspring. Pediatrics, 132(4), 639–646. http://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2012-3251
Presenter Bio:
Melanie is a licensed clinical social worker and TSBSWE-Board-approved clinical supervisor through the State of Texas. She also holds a clinical social work license in Louisiana. She is a Certified Theraplay® Practitioner and EMDR-trained clinician. She is also the founder and owner of a private practice in Dallas, Texas, where she specializes in working with predominantly QTBIPOC-identified clients and transracial adult-adopted individuals. She is a psychotherapist and clinical social work supervisor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center’s Paul Bass Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic. She works with UTSW’s Multidisciplinary Outpatient Eating Disorder Team and UTSW Outpatient Psychiatry and Psychology Training Committee. She was a regional clinical manager for a national eating disorder treatment center and is seeking her CEDS (Certified Eating Disorder Specialist Certification) through IAEDP™. She was the Region 3 Representative for the NASW-Texas State Board of Directors from 2019-2022. She has worked in child welfare, mental health, university counseling, and medical social work for over 20 years. She is an adjunct professor of Social Work at the University of Alabama, Tulane University, and Collin College. She is the first Asian-Pacific Islander awarded the University of Alabama's School of Social Work 2023 Doctoral of Social Work Honors Award for Writing for the Advancement of Social Justice. She is a DSW/doctoral clinical social work candidate at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, whose research focuses on transracial adoption, collective narcissism, and colonialism in the psychotherapeutic process (Roll Tide!). She has spoken internationally, nationally, and state-wide regarding Asian-Pacific Islander mental health, transracial adoption dynamics, suicide prevention within marginalized populations, and inclusive mental health care and eating disorders.
Her passion includes education and elevating the voices of marginalized and oppressed groups, notably adopted LGBTQIA+ and adopted folx & women/femme of color, to combat mental health stigma, address power-based violence, and deconstruct structural oppression.
Cost— $15 Reduced Rate — This Program is sponsored by funds from Ohio Kinect