The Brain Injury Rehabilitation Unit has produced a Suicide Prevention Resource Manual for brain injury agencies who work in the field of traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Suicidal behaviours are a common psychological response to sustaining a traumatic brain injury. It is estimated that rates of death by suicide amongst people with TBI are 3-4 times higher than for the general population. Levels of hopelessness, suicide ideation and suicide attempts are also high. To date, there have been few guidelines or resources for brain injury agencies in the assessment and management of suicidality after TBI.

1. Provides relevant information that brain injury staff can use in managing people with TBI who are suicidal.
2. Provides a policy framework so that brain injury agencies have the necessary structures and policies in place to respond effectively whenever a suicidal crisis arises.
3. Provides a program that targets directly people with TBI who are experiencing distress and teaches positive coping skills that can assist in rebuilding their lives.

Who is the target group for the manual?
Men and women who sustained a TBI as adults.

Who can use the manual?
Agencies that can use the resource include rehabilitation services, community brain injury programs, case management or attendant care services, counselling services, accommodation support services, private practice, employment agencies, respite services and consumer representative and advocacy organisations.

What does the resource manual contain?

The manual has three parts.

Part 1: Information about suicide contains information about suicide more generally and in particular, suicidality after TBI. It provides the most recent research and clinical data about suicidality after TBI.

Part 2: Agency policy and procedures for the management of suicidality contains information about appropriate policy and procedures agencies should have in place for the management of suicidal clients. A policy template is provided giving an accessible, structured and easy- to-use suicide management policy format.

Part 3 Standing Tall: Overcoming life's challenges after traumatic brain injury is a six session consumer positive mental health program aimed at increasing the resilience of people with TBI and reduce their suicide risk.

The suicide prevention leaflet is a useful resource for people with TBI. It is written in easy-to-understand language and provides:

• Information about suicide reactions after TBI
• Consumer stories
• Self-management strategies

Place for information about crisis services

The manual costs $110 (inludes GST).
Postage and handling: Australia and New Zealand 10%
Other countries 30%

There is no charge for the leaflets.

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