Community Case Study: Suicide Cluster in a Small Manitoba Community
Objectives: To review a cluster of suicides and suicidal ideation in a First Nations community. Method: The medical records and autopsy reports of the victims are reviewed. Collateral information obtained in the community is presented. A series of psychiatric assessments conducted at the local healt...
| Published in: | The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry |
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| Main Authors: | , , |
| Format: | Article in Journal/Newspaper |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
SAGE Publications
1998
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/070674379804300807 http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/070674379804300807 |
| Summary: | Objectives: To review a cluster of suicides and suicidal ideation in a First Nations community. Method: The medical records and autopsy reports of the victims are reviewed. Collateral information obtained in the community is presented. A series of psychiatric assessments conducted at the local health centre in a 3-day period is outlined. The dilemma of developing appropriate treatment plans is discussed. Results: In the period from February 3 to May 5, 1995, an isolated northern Manitoba First Nations community had 6 suicides in a population of less than 1500. Several other suicide attempts occurred. Community resources were strained. Alcohol was a factor in 4 of the suicides. Previous sexual assault was cited in 4 of 5 female cases presenting with suicidal ideation. Conclusions: Cluster suicide is a shared psychiatric and public health problem of major concern. Dreams of beckoning are common following a suicide. Communities should have a prepared plan to deal with a suicide. Resources should be provided quickly in an effort to prevent a cluster of suicides from occurring. High-risk individuals must be identified. Substance abuse must be addressed. Resources to assess and treat victims of sexual abuse must be available. |
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