Suicide Prevention: An Issue of Social Justice

Abstract

The concept of social justice has assumed major significance in the human service professions, as suicide rates have increased. However, social justice remains a difficult concept to define. This article explores definitions of social justice, as well as the intersection of social justice and suicide prevention. A review of suicide prevention programs is presented, including both systemic prevention programs and individual prevention strategies. This evolves into a discussion concerning why suicide prevention is in fact a very significant social justice issue. Finally, implications for mental health professionals, including counseling psychologists, the profession that originated this journal, are examined, and suggestions for future issues of focus related to the intersection of suicide prevention and social justice are presented. To take a social justice approach to suicide prevention, it is suggested that an interdisciplinary structure be utilized to maximize political action.

Understanding Somatic Symptoms Associated with South Korean Adolescent Suicidal Ideation, Depression, and Social Anxiety

“…In his 2010 Presidential Address, John Westefeld implored counseling psychologists to increase engagement in suicide research and prevention and, more recently, has argued that efforts to address suicide rates are a significant social justice concern [ 1 , 2 ]. In the United States, 14.2 per 100,000 individuals die from suicide each year [ 3 , 4 ].…”