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Occupational Therapy and Veteran Suicide: A Call to Action
Amy Kashiwa1, Melissa M Sweetman2, Loriann Helgeson3
1Amy Kashiwa, OTD, OTR/L, is Clinical Occupational Therapist, Fairfax Behavioral Health, Monroe, WA; amy.kashiwa@gmail.com.
Summary
Veteran suicide is a critical issue. Occupational therapy can play a vital role in prevention through specialized training and evidence-based interventions for conditions like PTSD and depression.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Mental Health
- Occupational Therapy
Background:
- Suicide among U.S. military veterans is a significant public health crisis.
- This critical issue is underrepresented in occupational therapy research.
- Preventable deaths by suicide impact veterans, their families, and society.
Purpose of the Study:
- To initiate professional dialogue on veteran suicide within occupational therapy.
- To highlight the professional responsibility of occupational therapists in suicide prevention.
- To align occupational therapy's role with professional vision tenets.
Main Methods:
- Applying the scholarship of integration framework.
- Presenting a case for integrating suicide prevention training as a professional competency.
- Exploring occupational therapy's role in addressing suicide risk.
Main Results:
- Identified opportunities for occupational therapy in veteran suicide prevention.
- Highlighted the use of evidence-based interventions for PTSD, combat stress, and depression.
- Emphasized the need for research and advocacy.
Conclusions:
- Occupational therapy has a crucial role in veteran suicide prevention.
- Professional development in suicide prevention is essential for practitioners.
- Further research and advocacy are needed to address veteran suicide.
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