Suicide Risk Assessment Quiz

Suicidal people often wish to escape psychological pain, and their extreme distress can impair their ability to think of alternative ways to cope. This can lead them to consider suicide as a means of escape.

Most people who die by suicide do give some clues or warnings to others about their intentions, although these clues may not always be verbal or easy to recognize. This implies that there are often signs or indicators that can be observed or detected, allowing for the possibility of intervention or support before a tragic outcome occurs.

WRONG! Few who die by suicide without first letting someone else know how they feel. Those who are considering suicide give clues and warnings as a cry for help. In fact, most seek out someone to rescue them. Over 70% who threaten suicide either make an attempt or complete the act.

The correct answer is "All of the above." This means that all of the mentioned factors contribute to suicidal intent. If someone has a plan or is attempting to harm themselves or others, has an imminent plan to do so, engages in preparatory behaviors, and expresses a clear intent to die, it indicates a high level of suicidal intent.

A recent loss of a loved one is a significant high-risk factor in suicide risk assessments. Grief can trigger intense emotional distress, feelings of hopelessness, and isolation, all of which increase the likelihood of suicidal ideation. This risk is heightened if the individual has limited coping mechanisms or support. Assessors must closely monitor such individuals and consider intervention strategies to reduce the risk of suicide.

The caller could have multiple reasons for not killing themselves. They may feel a sense of responsibility and commitment towards their family, have concerns related to their children, or have strong religious beliefs that discourage suicide. Additionally, they may believe that their problems can be solved, have future plans or hope for the future, and find meaning in life. They may also have a positive self-esteem, love for themselves and others, moral objections to suicide, and the belief that suicide will not solve anything. Therefore, all of the above reasons could contribute to the caller's decision to not end their life.

If the call-worker believes the person of interest is in imminent risk of danger to themselves or others, they may make an outbound call to the POI or 911.

If you're talking to somebody, and they don't seem like they're thinking of suicide, it's fairly easy to say, "You're not thinking of suicide, are you?" We really don't want to do that. We want to ask directly.

Verbal cues such as, "No one will have to worry about me anymore" are the most indicative of suicide because they directly express a desire to end one's life and indicate a lack of concern for the well-being of others. While loss of appetite, feelings of guilt, and social withdrawal can be signs of depression or other mental health issues, they may not necessarily indicate an immediate risk of suicide. However, verbal cues that explicitly mention suicide should always be taken seriously and addressed promptly.

You should alert a supervisor when a caller tells you about abuse of a child or elder adult, or when a caller tells you that they've already taken steps towards suicide, such as taking pills or cutting themselves in a suicide attempt. Both situations require immediate attention and intervention from a supervisor to ensure the safety and well-being of the individuals involved.

Those who cut or engage in self-harm as a response to stress don't necessarily want to kill themselves.