elationships. Protective factors diminish in importance when a potentially suicidal person is placed under increased stress, which can simply overwhelm them. This is especially true when the person is in an intoxicated, impulsive or in a uninhibited state.
The difference between suicidal thought and death by suicide is large. Individuals are usually assessed by being observed and interviewed. In particular, specific questions (safe-t model) are used to determine the level of potential risk. The aim of any assessment is to identify the following:
- Does the person have suicidal intent?
- Do they have a specific plan?
- Do they have the means to carry it out (the pills, weapons, which is relative to their plan)?
- Have there been previous attempts or rehearsals?
- What outcome are they after, death or rescue?
- Identification of risk factors and warning signs.
- Identification of coping potential.
Identifying a person that may be at risk of suicide can be complex, as often the person will not engage in full or truthful disclosure about their plans. Connection of the person to a properly trained resource — medical, counselling or psychological — is critical to ensure they are properly evaluated and supported.
Often individuals at higher risk of suicide during their treatment will be encouraged to negotiate ‘safety plans’ with their clinicians. This will only occur in more chronic scenarios, as individuals at acute risk will be managed much more directly, with hospitalisation, for example. A safe-plan is a pre-arranged strategy that the individual can follow when they determine a higher level of stressors or behaviours that could lead to them being at greater risk. Many of the items in such a plan are pre-emptive, including ensuring all potential weapons or support items are not available, without supervision. Stress-management processes are taught, abstinence or reduction of alcohol or drugs is encouraged and identification and deployment of supportive resources including regular ‘check-in’ buddies and scheduling medical appointments, are organised. They will often include ‘what to do’ strategies in the case of increased personal stress.
Safe-plans are a useful way of enhancing the ‘protective’ factors for an individual. This does not mean that they will not be overwhelmed by dynamic stresses, but they can improve the opportunity for the individual to have a clear strategy for navigating through these stresses when they emerge.
If you consider someone you know to be at risk of suicide, connect them to trained resources. Try to amplify the protective factors and get them to a clinician or specialist service that can assist them.
Philip Owens is owner and director of Reflective Resolutions and is a leading Australian hypnotherapist and NLP practitioner based in Melbourne, Australia. Using scientifically validated and pragmatic approaches, Philip is a passionate about creating lasting change in and for his clients.
Working in his clinic with individuals and also with corporate clients, Philip’s international experience, state of the art training and processes have led to successful and happy clients all over the world. Focusing on the issues of modern life, Philip routinely works with clients presenting with anxiety, fears and phobias, addictions, traumas, weight loss, insomnia and smoking cessation’.
Dr Joann Lukin – Sport and Performance Psychologist
Wondering about the purpose of living and considering whether or not to continue with life are thoughts that are contemplated by more people than you may think. And whilst there are a number of people who contemplate suicide, it is a smaller percentage that takes steps towards committing suicide. That aside, the feelings associated with depression and other mental conditions can feel overwhelming and highly distressing. Any concerns about someone with thoughts of suicide, should be taken seriously by family members, friends, and the person themselves.
Feeling suicidal is a distressing experience and there are a number of things that can help you to get through the feelings to he