QUIZ
• Designed by Dr. John McIntosh of IUSB for research
• Consider it a test for yourself to see perhaps what
myths you have believed and facts you have
rejected—believing only and all truths is important to
prevention!
Assessing Suicide Risk
• Stressful Events
• Release from Hospitalization
• Lack of Sense of Belonging
Reducing the Risk
In general, reducing the risk of suicide has commonalities for each risk factor. Just keep
in mind that most all suicides can be prevented! Intervening means saving lives.
Reducing the Risk
• Assess for risk/remain alert to potential risk.
• Arrange an environment that will not offer easy access to the instruments the person might use to kill their self.
• Create an actively supportive environment.
Reducing the Risk
• While not denying or minimizing their problems and desire to die, also recognize and work with their strengths and (though temporarily faint) desire to live.
• Make every effort to communicate and justify realistic hope.
Reducing the Risk
• Explore any fantasies the client may have regarding suicide. Be open to talk about suicide.
• Make sure communications are clear and evaluate the probable impact of any interventions.
Reducing the Risk
• When considering hospitalization as an option, explore the drawbacks as fully as the benefits.
• Be sensitive to negative reactions to the behavior of the person.
• Most importantly, communicate CARING.
Quick Review of
Your Response
• Remain calm, do not act shocked.
• If the person is in immediate need, get help! (Call 911!)
• Do not handle the situation by yourself.
• Be an attentive listener.
• Comfort with words of encouragement.
• Let them know you are deeply concerned.
Your Response
• If the person is at high risk, do not leave them alone.
• Talk openly about suicide.
• Do not be judgmental and be sensitive with your words.
• Consider helping make an appointment with a medical doctor and a therapist.
• Make sure they receive professional help.
• Follow up with them often and never agree to keep his or her suicidal intentions a secret.
For Immediate Help…
There are several programs in this area that focus on counseling the suicidal listed on the next slide in your packet with addresses and phone numbers—and there are also several 24 hour suicide hotlines.
Where to GoSuicide Prevention Coalition in Elkhart, IN
574 523-2119
Survivors of Suicide
Center for Hospice and Palliative Care
Life Transitions Center
215 Red Coach Drive
Mishawaka, IN 46545
Contact: Monica Eblen, M.S., L.M.H.C. (574) 243-3100 or
574-255-1064
Visit http://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/state/IN/South+Bend.htmlfor local therapists who can help.
For Immediate Help
CALL:Suicidal?Need Help Now?Call 911or
1-800-SUICIDE1-800-784-2433
or1-800-273-TALK1-800-273-8255
orText Telephone:
1-800-799-4TTY1-800-799-4889
Military VeteransSuicide Hotline:
1-800-273-TALK(Press 1)
Suicide Hotlinein Spanish:
1-800-273-TALK(Press 2)
LGBT YouthSuicide Hotline:
1-866-4-U-TREVOR
Cited Information:
• Caruso, Kevin. Suicide.org (various selections). Online.
• McIntosh, John. Suicide Quiz. South Bend, IN. IUSB. Print.
• Pope, Kenneth S., and Melba Jean Trinidad. Vasquez. "17." Ethics in Psychotherapy and Counseling: A Practical Guide. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2007. Print.