Friday September 13, 2024
Recently there has been a growing interest in patients’ affective and emotional needs, particularly for those patients who are forced to spend the last phase of their life in residential facilities (Sollami, et al., 2017). Many studies have shown that pet therapy can reduce loneliness and isolation, improve mental and physical health, and provide a sense of purpose. Nursing home residents who participate in pet therapy are shown to have better sleep quality and improved cognitive function as pets can provide companionship, love, and support.

In the geriatric population, interaction with animals reduces behavioral disorders (agitation, aggression), stress and mood disorders, and appears to stimulate cognitive function (Sollami, et al., 2017). Pet therapy is even shown in some studies to benefit long-term memory, as well as improve sensory stimulation. Research has found that the presence of a dog during facilitated social activities, can act as a catalyst for interpersonal relationships (Sollami, et al., 2017). Therefore, pet therapy would be particularly beneficial for a patient who may be more withdrawn, as it supports feelings of belonging and sharing with others.

Friday Sept. 20, 2024

Suicide Awareness

Myth: Talking about suicide will lead to and encourage suicide

Fact: Pre-discharge education and follow-up contact or outreach for psychitiatric patients who were recently discharge from the hospital increases productivity in suicide prevention and scalability (Mann et al., 2021)

Talking about suicide reduces the stigma, allows people to share their experience, and feel comfortable seeking help.

Facilitating connection pre- and post- discharge may contribute positively to suicide prevention and address the prevalence of SI related admissions.

Friday Sept. 27, 2024

Autism and Suicide

Many people do not know that those with autism are at greater rick for co-occurring mental health difficulties (Eave & HO, 2008). The difficulties associated with daily living, including “masking” autistic traits, difficult social interactions, sensory distress, among other challenges, can result in autistic burnout, which his linked to an increased risk of suicide. In fact, according to a metanalysis by Brown et al. (2024), individuals with autism spectrum disorder are up to eight times more likely to die by suicide compared to non-autistic individuals.

Facts About Suicide

• A leading cause of death and serious public health problem with far reaching impact in the U.S.
• Many people contemplate suicide, including neighbors, friends, and family members
• CDC preventative resources include : ensuring good economic supports (i.e. stable housing, improved financial security, etc.)
• Suicide prevention can include creating a positive environment, such as reducing access to legal methods that increase healthy organization policies and culture.