The Role of the Social Work Specialist in Suicide Prevention among Youth
The author reveals the problem of suicidal behavior of modern youth. The official statistics of youth suicides around the world and in Russia are presented. The key causes of suicide among young people are characterized, among them: a passive position in relation to social and personal life, a weak interest in ongoing socio-political events, a weak development of the value of life, a lack of clear goals and a vision of one's own prospects, etc. The limitations of the Russian state policy and the institutional model of social work with the younger generation to prevent suicidal thoughts and self-destructive behavior are systematized: bureaucracy, «protocol» assistance, the lack of development of a differentiated approach; lack of a national plan on the problem of suicide among youth, etc. It is proposed to create a coordinated multisectoral system and an interdisciplinary team to develop an effective policy to prevent suicide and suicide attempts among young people in modern Russia. The need to form a new mental culture where young people will be active participants in public life, a full-fledged subject of law in this historical, social, and economic context is noted; the need to develop a new paradigm, a look at the problem of suicides of young people, which today is caused not only by intrapersonal conflicts or interpersonal disagreements but has a nationwide global context is stated.