Suicide has been and continues to be evidenced in most cultures and countries throughout the world. “In some cultures, suicide is morally acceptable under particular circumstances. Although most Western religions forbid suicide, some Eastern religions are more accepting.” “Among Buddhist monks, for example, self-sacrifice for religious reasons can be viewed as an honorable act. During the Vietnam War, Buddhist monks set themselves on fire in protest (Kitagawa, 1989). In Japan, attitudes toward suicide are mixed, but some sanction and even glorify suicide when done for “good” reasons for controlling one’s own destiny (Tierney, 1989). The Hindu code of conduct condones suicide for incurable diseases or great misfortune (Weiss, 1994).” Culture and lifestyles are necessary factors to consider when treating individuals with mental health and other co-occurring disorders. Healthcare providers must be aware of and trained on appropriate ways to treat ethnic groups that have high-risk factors. Effective best-practice treatment models that are sensitive to individuals’ culture and community resources are essential in treating high-risk individuals and families.

 Goals/Objectives

• What do you know about Suicide Quiz?
• Suicide statistical data
• Participants will be aware of the causes of suicide
• To identify specific cultural implications of suicide from age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, and social  isolation perspective (Video)
• Participants will list specific signs and symptoms of high-risk specialty groups and families that are most impacted by suicide
• Participants will explain a few best practice treatment model techniques that are most effective with treating high-risk individuals
• To be aware of resources that are needed to treat high-risk and suicidal individuals