Suicide Risk in an Overlooked Group: People with Disabilities
When it comes to suicide prevention, one of the largest minority groups in the United States –people with disabilities, who account for 27% of the population – is often overlooked.
According to a 2021 study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, there is a strong association with suicide ideation, attempts, and deaths by suicide for people with a disability. The path to suicide for people with disabilities differs from other at-risk populations: several studies show that they are more likely to be dissatisfied, driven to depression or suicidal ideation not as much by the severity of their disability or the limitations of their condition, but by internalized negative beliefs about their self-worth due to discrimination and stigma, according to a study by Lauren Khazem, of Ohio State University.
There is also an emerging realization that ableism – expressed through obstacles of access, negative perceptions and discriminatory treatment -- is endemic in our health care system. (VanPuymbrouck, 2020.)
Explicit and implicit disability attitudes of healthcare providers - PubMed (nih.gov)
On Thursday, Nov. 2nd, the NH Coalition on Suicide Prevention will sponsor a presentation entitled “The Right To Survive: Suicide Prevention Programs For People With Disabilities” at the 20th Annual New Hampshire Suicide Prevention Conference at the Grappone Center in Concord, NH.
The presentation will feature research findings by Dr. Khazem, an assistant research professor of psychology at the Ohio State University, who has published studies documenting the distinctive nature of suicide risk among several populations, including people with disabilities and Veterans. Dr. Khazem will discuss one of her latest projects, an ongoing evaluation of a promising intervention that uses brief cognitive behavioral therapy delivered through 12-sessions of video-based teletherapy.
The therapy gives patients tools to overcome negative internalized beliefs, strengthens their ability to regulate their emotions, helps them develop greater cognitive flexibility, and reinforce a positive self-identity. According to Dr. Khazem, the project has already shown positive outcomes in reduced suicide ideation, reduced feelings of “perceived burdensomeness”, and increased ability to overcome negative experiences.
Dr. Khazem will be joined by Sarah Tollefsen, Executive Director of ABLE NH, a disability justice organization that protects the rights of people impacted by disability who face barriers to education, employment, healthcare and civic engagement. Tollefen will discuss her organization’s innovative programs, including the work of their Disability Diagnosis Dialogue Task Force to change the cultural narrative of healthcare providers when delivering the diagnosis of a disability. Disability Diagnosis Dialogues - ABLE NH
This will be an interactive session that engages attendees in a conversation on identifying resources and effective cognitive interventions for individuals with disabilities to help them develop resilience and strengthen their coping mechanisms. The program will qualify for CEU credit for social workers.
For information on the 20th Annual suicide Prevention Conference entitled “Community Conversations: Empowering Everyday Helpers”, visit: 2023-SPC-Brochure_fv.pdf (preventsuicidenh.org)
Registration for the full-day conference is $50, or $75 for those requesting CEUs. Scholarship help is available. To register: New Hampshire's 20th Annual Suicide Prevention Conference Registration (whova.com).