Epidemiological factors

Currently, suicide cases are rising at an alarming rate and have become an issue of global concern. Generally, a combination of situations often contributes to suicide or attempted suicide. Several epidemiological factors have contributed to suicide desires. The epidemiological factors often cause a surge in the risk of the suicide attempt. Among them are social factors, economic and family problems. Psychological diseases like mental disorders and depression are the most critical in committing suicide.  Individual factors like prior-attempt of suicide, social isolation, substance use, financial issues, among others also contributes to suicide. Sexual abuse, family history of suicide, and childhood experiences like abuse and neglect are also risk factors (Bachmann, 2018). Some of the aforementioned epidemiological factors apply to James. James is an African American transgender whose parents neglected him after he came out, as depicted in the case. He is suffering from depression and anxiety and has also been hospitalized for a suicide attempt. After his discharge, his parents stopped supporting his therapy, and he has been involved with alcohol and drug use like marijuana. Therefore, his adverse childhood experienced caused his depression and anxiety. His depression prompted the attempted murder. Fuelled by his parent’s abandonment and negligence, James feels the desire to commit suicide.

Interpersonal theory of suicidal behavior (IPT) relation to James

The interpersonal theory of suicidal behavior (IPT) is one of the influencing theories in suicidal issues. The theory claims that, “suicidal desire occurs when people feel intractable feelings of perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongings. Consequently, almost lethal or lethal suicidal behaviors appear in the mid of suicidal desire and chances of suicide.” Accordingly, the ability of suicidal behavior occurs through habituation and opponent processes as a counter to continuous exposure to physical pain or fear (De Beurs et al., 2019). In this case, James feels like a burden to his parents, who abandoned him after coming out to the world. Their adverse reaction made James feel like a burden to them. In addition, he also feels like a burden to his caregivers, who took him to their house after being abandoned. James also feels like he does not belong in the society. Given his situation of being transgender, his parents do not accept him, but instead, they abandon him. His situation also is rare in that it is hard to come across people like James. Therefore, James sees himself as not belonging to the society. Shockingly, James mentions that he feels like the world might be better off without him. Clearly, he already thinks that he is a burden to the world, which indicates suicidal feelings. Therefore, from his feelings, it is evident that the IPT is relevant to James.

Risk and protective factors for suicide that apply to James

Generally, for any suicide or suicide attempt, there are prevalent risk and preventive factors. The risk and preventive factors also apply to James.  Some of the risk factors that apply to James are prior- suicide attempts. As illustrated in the case, James was hospitalized at the age of 14 for a suicide attempt. Another factor is a mental illness like depression and anxiety. James has been struggling with depression and anxiety since he was 12, which is also a contributing factor. In addition, James has been reported of alcohol and drug use like marijuana, methamphetamine and opiates. Substance use is one of the risk factors of suicide. James also experienced adverse childhood experiences since, by the age of 12, he was already struggling with depression and anxiety. It is evident that he was having a rough childhood relationship with his parents, who did not bother to get him help. A rough childhood experience often contribute to suicide (Cdc.gov, 2021). Consequently, after his discharge from a suicide attempt, his parents refused to continue giving him the medical therapy he needed. It is clear that he was denied the medical care he needed after his suicide attempt, which is also a risk factor. Despite the presence of risk factors, there are always protective factors. The protective factors that apply to James are cultural and religious beliefs taught in the society and churches that discourage suicide. James can be encouraged to have a connection with friends and the community for support. Social support has often proven to be effective, especially in matters with therapy. In addition, his caregivers are good people who are willing to support him. Thus, a supportive relationship with his caregivers can work well with James. Most importantly, physical and mental health care facility is vital when dealing with people with suicidal desires.

Intervention to prevent James’s suicide

In order to intervene to prevent James from committing suicide, I would first need to build a relationship with him. It is clear that James had a rough childhood and his parent’s abandonment had a substantial adverse effect on his life. Generally, children abandoned by their parents have a great tendency to suffer from trauma (Sprc.org, 2020). In this case, James is mainly affected by his parent’s actions. He has isolated himself from society and turned to use drugs and alcohol. Therefore, to help James, I would need to build a strong relationship with him to give him what his parents denied him and make him comfortable around me. With time, I believe James will start opening up to me, which is a huge step. Most importantly, despite my relationship, James would need medical help from a professional. Health care help from professionals who deeply comprehend his situation and the kind of help he needs is essential. I would make sure that James gets the best medical help from professionals to help him manage his condition.

The most logical reason for James’s successful suicide

If James succeeded in committing suicide, the logical explanation would be his mental illness of depression and anxiety caused by his life experiences. His experiences throughout his life have caused James to suffer from depression and anxiety. As reported, by the age of 12, James was already struggling with depression. Often, depression and anxiety are among the risk factors for committing suicide (Cdc.gov, 2021).  It is in order to assume that his childhood experiences caused the condition. His suicide attempt at the age of fourteen also was a result of his depression and anxiety. Consequently, when his parents abandoned James, their rejection had detrimental effects on his mental health. The rejection made him disassociate with the public, and it is also seen through his relationship with his caregivers. As a result, James turned to drugs and alcohol due to the depression and anxiety he was suffering from. Therefore, if James commits suicide, the most logical explanation would be depression and anxiety caused by his life experiences.

Summary of what was learned

To sum up, it is evident that suicide is a global phenomenon that should be paid attention to by everyone. It is also evident that some common risk factors play a vital role in causing suicide and suicide attempt. Among them is adverse childhood experiences. How parents treat their kids will, in one way or another, affect their health in the future. Thus, parents should pay closer attention to raising their kids’ the right way to prevent suicide desires in the future.  However, what is interesting is that, besides people suffering from the condition, there are prevention and treatments which can help the individuals manage their situation. As responsible colleagues, friends, and neighbors of those affected, it is our responsibility to take note of the signs and symptoms of suicidal desires and get them the needed help.  Additionally, the parents and the society at large should help the suicidal individuals get the necessary help they need, like therapy.