Mental Health Clinic - Carbondale IL
Risk Management & Suicidal Ideation
The Albany Clinic • May 9, 2022
Many people think of or talk about suicide – sometimes in a non-serious manner – but such talk should never be ignored. If you or someone you know openly discusses suicide, get immediate medical care. Taking quick action to address mental health issues or other contributing factors can save lives.
What Is Suicidal Ideation?
“ Suicidal ideation , or suicidal thoughts, means thinking about planning suicide. Thoughts can range from a quick consideration to a detailed plan. Some people may experience suicidal thoughts once in their lifetime, while others may experience suicidal thoughts on a routine, even daily basis for a short or long period.”
Suicidal thoughts are widespread, often driven by increased stress levels or trauma. Most people thinking of suicide don’t end their life, but some may make attempts.
What Is A Suicidal Risk Assessment?
Suicidal risk assessment is something a doctor or your mental healthcare provider will undertake during one of your visits or if you go to a hospital, emergency room, or urgent care center.
“The number and variety of instruments to assist in the identification of suicidal persons can be confusing. In suicide screening, a standardized instrument or protocol is administered to identify persons who may be at risk for suicide. Screening may be done universally or on specific populations. An example of universal screening is the completion of the Emergency Department Safety Assessment and Follow-up Evaluation (ED-SAFE)–Patient Safety Screener on every patient who presents to a hospital emergency department (ED), regardless of the reason for presentation.”
Depending on the assessment results, your clinician may recommend a treatment plan that could include ongoing psychotherapy, self-help, medicine, the use of ketamine therapy to reduce depression or other mental health symptoms, or, in some cases, hospitalization.
Standard tools for suicidal risk assessment
- The Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale is a publicly available questionnaire “that can help screen for suicide and form a detailed account of an individual’s suicidal ideations or behaviors. It is easy to administer with minimal training, available in multiple languages, and easily included in an electronic medical record.”
- The Patient Health Questionaire-9 is a fast, subjective reporting tool integrated into your medical record.
Risk Management & Suicidal Ideation
For risks of suicide to be managed, either in yourself or in someone else, it’s critical first to identify the warning signs of suicide.
Suicidal warning signs
- Talking about the urge to die or take one’s life
- Searching for the means to end life
- Constant talk of hopelessness and lack of purpose
- Talking about the sensation of being trapped or suffering intolerable pain
- Talking about your burden to others
- Increased use of drugs or alcohol
- Anxiety, agitation, or recklessness
- Problems sleeping
- Self-isolation
- Displays of rage or talking about revenge
- Intense mood swings.
Another key in risk management and suicidal ideation is to do research and have a thorough understanding of the risk factors involved. Biological and environmental factors may be the underpinnings of suicidal ideation, but there are other risk factors to be aware of. By knowing risk factors, you or your doctor can better understand the kind of treatment that might lower the risk of suicide.
Risk factors
- The presence of one or more mental disorders
- Alcohol and other substance use disorders
- Aggressive tendencies
- A record of abuse or trauma
- Serious physical or long-term illnesses
- Prior suicide attempt
- Family history
- Relationship difficulties, financial hardship, loss of a loved one
- Easy access to weapons or other lethal devices
- No social support, sense of isolation
- Stigma linked asking for help
- Absence of health care (particularly mental health and substance abuse care)
- Cultural and religious beliefs
- Exposure to someone who died by suicide (in real life or through the media and web)
Diagnosis & Treatment
Besides using the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale and the Patient Health Questionaire-9 for assessment, your healthcare provider may ask specific questions about:
- Home
- Education and employment
- Activities
- Drugs
- Sexuality
- Suicide and safety
Understanding the state of your physical and mental health is critically important. You may undergo a thorough physical examination to see if a medical problem contributes to mental health issues that may drive suicidal ideation. Your healthcare provider may also ask to speak with family, friends, or others to provide insight.
Treatment may include ketamine therapy , antidepressants or other medicine, ongoing psychotherapy, or hospitalization.
Final Thoughts
Suicide is the 10 th leading cause of death in America . If you have mental health issues or frequently talk about wanting to die or take your own life, reach out for help. A family member may offer support, but there are national and local organizations to lean on, too.
The post Risk Management & Suicidal Ideation appeared first on The Albany Clinic.
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