ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we explore social work practices in response to people experiencing suicidal thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Although suicidal distress is a highly stigmatised experience, having thoughts of death or wanting to die at some point across the life course is a relatively common occurrence, particularly for people who have experienced significant adversity and injustice. It is important that social workers develop skills in responding to suicidal distress, both at a micro-level in responding to individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts and feelings, as well as at a macro-level, in addressing the social determinants of suicide.
