Low |
-Person states she/he is feeling suicidal
-No suicide plan developed
-Person not in immediate danger. (i.e. the means to carry out the plan are not present, intent is not immediate) |
- May or may not have received counseling in the past.
-May or may not have received mental illness diagnoses/treatment. |
-Recent crisis or string of crises. |
-Primary need seems to be someone to talk to who will listen.
-Person is open to and active in developing a positive plan of action.
-Person has a basic support system available. |
-Explore primary issues.
-Discuss short and long term plans of actions.
-Contract with person to fulfill positive plan of action.
-Contract with person to reach out for help again if the suicidal feelings return. |
Medium |
-Person states she/he is feeling suicidal.
-They have a plan.
-Means to carry out the plan are available but not readily accessible.
-Means are available but not immediately lethal.
-Intent is not immediate. |
-May have family history of suicide and/or mental illness.
-May have chronic mental illness diagnosis. |
-Likely feels that negative life events have been ongoing for years.
-May resist idea of "here and now." |
-Person may seem uncertain about prospect of future happiness/wellness.
-Person still willing to reach for help and develop a positive plan of action. |
-Explore primary issue.
-Discuss short and long term plans of action, including the possibility of mental health assessment.
-Contract with person to fulfill a positive plan of action.
-Contract with person to reach out for help again if the suicidal feelings return. |
High |
-Person states she/he is feeling suicidal.
-Plan developed
-Intent is immediate or within near future.
-Means are lethal and accessible.
-Likely to have attempted before, and has probably felt suicidal for a long period of time. |
-Presence of chronic mental illness is likely, whether or not it's been diagnosed.
-Likely has family history of mental illness/suicide. |
-Recent crisis likely in addition to ongoing crisis/distress. |
-Person stated intent to die.
-Resistance to open communication/ alternatives.
-Disillusioned with helping system, strong feelings of hopelessness and diminished fear in the face of death.
-You believe the person will harm themselves. |
-If suicide is in progress, call 9-1-1 to dispatch emergency services.
-Contract with person to seek immediate assistance from a mental health professional -- follow up to make sure this was done.
-Contract with person to reach out for help again if suicidal feelings return. |