Page - 256 - in Psychoanalytic Perspectives on Puberty and Adolescence - The Inner Worlds of Teenagers and their Parents

256 Lost by the wayside – overstepping limits experienced moments of bonding with his depressed mother that enabled him to bear the burden of her continual thoughts of suicide and find a humorous approach. This form of black, off -beat humor found its place in the Monty Python brand. In conclusion, I will describe the political, social, psychological and therapeutic measures that have considerably reduced suicide rates. The WHO has set a goal of sinking the worldwide suicide rate 10% by 2020 (WHO 2014, 2). Measures that help to reduce suicide 1 Hindering access (through legislation) to the means of suicide, including: firearms, medications, drugs and other addictive substances. The affective suicide impulse can abate when the pistol or sleeping pills are not imme- diately accessible and the suicide attempter calms himself, for instance by sleeping on his decision. 2 Precise documentation regarding the age, gender and method of suicide or suicide attempt. 3 Increased attention by government agencies, including Ministries of Health and all social agencies. 4 Involving the media in reporting responsibly on suicide. In Austria, there exists a voluntary declaration on the part of print media and public radio and television that they will not report on suicides, including spectacular cases. This has helped considerably to drastically sink the number of suicides. 5 Educating social workers in matters pertaining to suicide, and planning the psychological care of people who have attempted suicide. This includes above all direct psychological help in the hospital after a suicide attempt. 6 Increased attention to the problem of suicide and discouraging the stigmatiza- tion and persecution of suicide attempters (until 1961, attempting suicide was a criminal act in the UK). 7 Increased sensitivity on the part of teachers, educators, parents and adoles- cents. The most helpful discussions take place between suicidal adolescents and schoolteachers. In most European cities, there are crisis intervention centers for anyone under- going a psychic crisis. When someone talks of or announces suicide, friends or acquaintances should recommend she get psychotherapeutic help. Here is a state- ment by Tomandl: 50% of the people who come to us for treatment have thoughts of suicide. But we lose very few of them to suicide, because these people have turned to us in time and want to get help from us. Naturally, it is easier to consider further steps with people who are willing to be helped, and to actually help them. (Hadaya 2015, 24)