Why Do People Commit Suicide? Director of Suicide Prevention at Mount Sinai

The speaker introduces himself as Igor Gallenkar, a professor of Psychiatry at Mount Sinai and the director of the suicide research prevention lab. He discusses his intellectual curiosity and interest in Psychiatry, highlighting his experience in dealing with suicidal patients from an early stage of his career.

The speaker explains the reasons behind suicide, emphasizing the scientific approach to studying suicide prevention over the past 15 years. He discusses the importance of addressing the suicidal state and stressful life events that may lead to suicidal tendencies.

The speaker delves into the biological components of suicidality, mentioning factors like perfectionism, inherited traits, and pessimism. He also highlights the significance of family history and trauma in assessing suicide risk.

The speaker discusses risk factors such as stressful life events and the impact of family history on suicide risk. He emphasizes the need for timely intervention and the recognition of suicide crisis syndrome to prevent suicides.

The speaker describes the criteria for identifying suicidal crisis syndrome, including feelings of hopelessness, loss of control over thoughts, and somatic symptoms. He emphasizes the importance of assessing and addressing this mental state effectively.

The speaker explains the importance of medical treatment for suicidal crisis syndrome, including medication to control thoughts, manage pain, and provide support during the crisis. He highlights the need for early intervention and proper care to prevent suicide.

The speaker addresses ethical and legal issues in suicide prevention trials, stressing the importance of proper assessment and treatment. He also discusses the research on suicide crisis syndrome and the need for widespread implementation of preventive measures.

The speaker explores the influence of social media and increasing stress on suicide rates. He mentions the role of screen time, social factors, and psychological stress in contributing to suicidal tendencies.

The speaker reflects on personal experiences with stigma and misconceptions about suicide. He emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing mental health issues without judgment or stigma.