Deliberate Self-Harm and Suicide Ideology in Medical Students

Abstract

The risk of deliberate self-harm (DSH) and suicide ideology in medical students is a pertinent issue that has received a surge in attention over recent years. Medical students are at risk of normalisation of DSH and suicide ideology despite their mental health literacy levels and are still susceptible to the stigma of help-seeking for their mental wellbeing. This chapter will explore assessment, preventative and management strategies to improve education, awareness and ultimately reduce the rates of DSH and suicide risk. A comprehensive review of practices and techniques that medical training community and their family members could utilise to aid medical students to adequately and safety manage DSH and suicide ideology. This will assist in identifying crucial areas for future research to aid students, professionals, family and friends in supporting medical student health to optimise mental health overall wellbeing of medical students.