Self Harm and Suicide

Question 1

What questions do you ask to work out suicide risk

Answer 1

Have you ever felt so low that you didn’t want to live
Have you ever contemplated ending your life
Any plans in place
Have you started sorting out affairs / giving stuff away
Do you regret actions
Are you happy to be alive
Can you see a future
How much was taken - cry for help or wanted to die
Did they want to be found

Question 2

What puts someone at higher risk of suicide

Answer 2

Male
Chronic conditions + pain 
Age 
Use of drugs / alcohol 
Mental illness
Social isolation 
Bereavement 
Previous suicide and self-harm 
Level of previous planning and motivation 
Stress - legal or conflict 
Personality
FH 
Abuse

Question 3

How do you manage suicide risk

Answer 3

On call mental health team for assessment
Admission if high risk
Identify disorder and refer to appropriate
Involve social services and school
Prepare safety or crisis plan
If family / show remorse send home and arrange follow up
CALM service

Question 4

What decreases risk

Answer 4

Family
Children
Religion

Question 5

What suggests higher risk / possible need for admission

Answer 5

Escalating episodes of self-harm
Use of access to more lethal means 
Pre-mediatated
Effort not to be discovered
Psychological
- Homeless
- Abuse
- Bereavement