Preventing Suicide: Time to Mobilize the Physical Therapist Workforce

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Mental Health
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Suicide claims approximately 700,000 lives globally each year, with many more experiencing suicidal thoughts.
• Traditional suicide prevention is confined to mental health professionals, failing to reach many individuals who do not disclose suicidal ideation.
• The nonprofessional and paraprofessional mental health movement seeks to broaden suicide prevention by training individuals outside traditional mental health roles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To argue that physical therapists are uniquely positioned to contribute to suicide prevention efforts.
• To highlight the potential of physical therapists in identifying and supporting individuals with suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
• To emphasize the significance of integrating physical therapists into broader suicide prevention strategies.

Main Methods:

• This perspective piece reviews the potential role of physical therapists in suicide prevention.
• It examines how physical therapists' existing client interactions and professional standing can facilitate early intervention.
• The authors propose that upskilling physical therapists can extend the reach of suicide prevention programs.

Main Results:

• Physical therapists, particularly those in pain management, frequently encounter individuals with suicidal thoughts.
• As a physical health profession, physical therapists engage with diverse populations, including those in rural areas, who may be difficult to reach through traditional mental health channels.
• The global physical therapist workforce represents a substantial, yet largely untapped, resource for suicide prevention.

Conclusions:

• Physical therapists are well-positioned to identify and offer initial support to individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
• Integrating physical therapists into suicide prevention requires specific training in crisis support and mental health service referral.
• Mobilizing the physical therapist workforce globally could significantly enhance the reach and impact of suicide prevention initiatives.