International symposium on suicide prevention at the FHV

For the first time, the professions of Social Work and Health Care and Nursing have worked together intensively on the topic of suicide prevention: interdisciplinary, practical and with great human depth. In different settings, perspectives from Social Work, Health Care and Nursing, Sociology, Psychology and Philosophy were introduced, critically scrutinized and jointly reflected upon. 

Suicide prevention is relationship work

The symposium made it clear that the ability to enter into relationships at an early stage, to recognize signals and to share responsibility are crucial. It is precisely at the interfaces between Social Work, nursing, psychology and other disciplines that perspectives emerge that are important for effective prevention. The key learning was that suicide prevention is effective when people look, listen and act together across disciplines.

Lasting impressions

What remains are not only professional insights, but above all profound impressions, honest encounters and a strong awareness of responsibility, empathy and cooperation, also in an international context. "Our thanks go to all the speakers, Rankweil Regional Hospital and especially our dedicated students, who made this symposium a lasting and moving experience through their openness, their willingness to listen and reflect. My special thanks also go to the organizational team with Erika Geser-Engleitner, Diana Brodda, Arno Geiger, Rebecca Lirussi and Antonia Sutter," concludes Viktoria Reuschel, programme director of the Social Work bachelor's degree.