Warning Signs
Name one behavioral warning sign of suicide.
Giving away possessions or withdrawing from others.
When someone has shared thoughts of suicide what must you assess for?
Plan, Means and Intent (4 Horsemen)
What is a safety plan?
A collaborative personalized plan that is done verbally and includes coping strategies, distractions, contacts for support, and steps to take during a crisis.
What is the strongest predictor of future suicide attempts?
A previous suicide attempt.
Does talking about suicidal thoughts increase the risk of suicide?
No, talking about feelings, stressors, symptoms, and strategies helps decrease the likelihood and help to decrease negative stigma.
What might a person say that indicates suicidal ideation?
“I wish I were dead,” or “Everyone would be better off without me.”
What is a direct but nonjudgmental question to ask about suicide?
“Have you had any thoughts of suicide today or in the past few days?”
Why is involving family or close friends important in a suicide intervention?
They provide emotional support and can help monitor the caller.
How does substance abuse increase suicide risk?
It impairs judgment, increases impulsivity, and may exacerbate underlying mental health conditions.
What is an example of an empathetic statement when a patient expresses feelings of hopelessness?
“It sounds like you’re feeling overwhelmed and hopeless right now. I’m here to listen.”
What mood-related changes may indicate suicide risk?
Depression, hopelessness, or sudden unexplained mood improvement.
What is an example of an open-ended question to ask about suicidal thoughts?
“Tell me more about how you’ve been feeling lately?”
What therapeutic communication technique is key during a suicide intervention?
Active listening, and empathy.
Name three environmental factors that may increase suicide risk.
Access to firearms, recent loss (job, relationship), or lack of access to mental health care.
T/F: Someone who is self harming is making a suicide attempt
False
What does it mean if a caller starts creating a will or saying goodbye to loved ones?
It could be a sign of suicidal planning or preparation.
Why is it important to ask about a specific plan for suicide?
It helps assess the level of risk and immediacy.
What are the 6 components of a safety plan?
Warning signs/triggers, professional supports, personal supports, coping skills, distractions, making the environment safe.
Risk Factor or Warning Sign: Lack of social support
Name a follow-up question to ask if someone says they are thinking about suicide.
"Do you have a plan on how you would take your own life?"
Changes in behavior that could indicate suicidal concerns
What else must you assess in addition to suicidal ideation?
Have you taken any steps to injure yourself today?
This is the ability to come back from a stressful situation
What is resiliency?
Name one mental health condition strongly associated with suicide risk.
Major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia.
What should you assess if the caller has a plan?
Do they access to means, when do they plan on killing themselves, have they made attempts in the past, how determined are they to end their life.