| How do I begin to ask about
suicide?
It is not easy to ask about suicide ideas; it
is helpful to lead into the topic gradually with due attention to
the patient, and using a counselling approach. For example:
- Do you feel unhappy and hopeless?
- Do you feel desperate?
- Do you feel unable to face each day?
- Do you feel life is a burden?
- Do you feel life is not worth living?
- Do you feel like committing suicide?
When to ask?
- After a strong rapport has been established.
- When the client feels comfortable about
expressing their feelings.
- When the client is in the process of expressing
negative feelings or thoughts.
|
Assessing suicidal ideas and
intent
- Assess the frequency and severity of the ideas and intent. Assess
any actual plan or method.
- Have you made any plans for ending your life?
- How are you planning to do it?
- Do you have in your possession [pills/charcoal/other means]?
- Have you considered when to do it?
What next?
- Refer to specialist/hospitalise if necessary.
- Enlisting support of relatives or friend, or if suicidal risk
is not high.
- Counselling plus appropriate medication.
- "No suicide" contract.
- Keep in contact with the patient.
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