Abstract

Over a million people commit suicide worldwide every year. Taking an interdisciplinary approach that looks at the person at risk, the family and personal relationships they have and the communities in which they are embedded, this book will help anyone working with suicidal individuals to prevent this major cause of death.

Backed up by research and clinical expertise the book clarifies the facts about suicide and debunks the many unfounded myths surrounding the subject. It covers the classifications and manifestations of suicide, as well as the major risk factors, at-risk groups and warning signs. Advice on effective communication and a repertoire of strategies for distress management are offered, not only for supporting at-risk individuals and those who have survived a suicide attempt, but also families coping with bereavement. A final chapter explores the impact of the internet and the digital age on both the propagation and prevention of suicide.

This book will be essential reading for anybody working with people at risk of suicide, including clinicians, therapists, psychologists, social and healthcare workers and volunteers working in suicide prevention.

David Aldridge is a social science researcher and the author of many books including Suicide: The Tragedy of Hopelessness also published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers based upon his doctoral thesis at the Open University, UK. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine, London. Sergio Pérez Barrero graduated as a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Havana in 1976. He is a Professor of Psychiatry and founder of the Suicidology Section in the World Psychiatry Association (WPA).
There is a little to criticise. Therapists, researchers and some lay people are likely to benefit greatly from reading this insightful book.
Therapy Today
Bullying, suicide and homicide and A Comprehensive Guide to Suicidal Behaviours are certainly books about doing thing things and, because of their non-technical approach, would probably appeal to a cross-section of professionals and concerned others wanting to work with suicidal individuals and their communities... A comprehensive guide provides a systemic and practical approach to preventing suicides through counselling and case management... The writing is lucid and there are clear suggestions and recommendations
Journal of Mental Health
Although this book is primarily aimed at those working with individuals at risk and their families, it is a book that could be of value to all who have suffered loss through suicide and who seek to answer the unanswerable question 'why?'. This is a good book full of useful information, clarifying many unfounded myths and giving helpful advice and aids. It is a book essential for those working in the field of suicide prevention but could also be of value to those who have suffered a loss through suicide.
Eric Thwaites, National Newsletter of Bereavement by Suicide.
Aldridge and Pérez Barrero have written an important, concise, but comprehensive book on understanding suicide. [...] it offers highly readable, straightforward, practical advice on how to prevent suicide. By placing suicidal behaviour within the 'relational context' of friends, families and healthcare providers, readers will find a new role for themselves - not only in how they can help prevent suicide, but how they can reduce distress in those they know, love, and serve.
Paul Quinnett, PhD, President and CEO, QPR Institute, Assistant Clinical Professor, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
This book should make the public as well as people in the field of suicide prevention rethink their beliefs of suicide. Suicide, as the authors state, is complex and this book presents a comprehensive overview of what you need to know. Furthermore, the good news is that there is evidence-based treatment and it is effective.
Antoon A. Leenaars, Author of Psychotherapy with Suicidal People
A wise and original book, full of knowledge and experience from the field... Updated and modern, an important reading for all - scholars, clinicians and laypeople -, able to provide clear insights on the most relevant aspects in suicidology, from historical landmarks, to essential views on the Internet-based opportunities for suicide prevention.
Prof. Diego De Leo, DSc, Director, Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention