Psych 323 Responding To Suicide Risk

Front 1

Be psychologically and physically available.

Back 1

Grant the young person your full attention, indicate when and where you can be located, and emphasize that you are always willing to talk.

Front 2

Communicate a caring, capable attitude.

Back 2

With such statements as “I’m concerned. I care about you,” encourage the adolescent to discuss feelings of despair. Conveying a capable attitude helps redirect the young person away from a world of confusion toward psychological order.

Front 3

Assess the immediacy of risk.

Back 3

Gently inquire into the young person’s motives: “Do you want to harm yourself? Do you want to die or kill yourself?” If the answer is yes, ask about the adolescent’s plan. If it is specific (involving a method and a time), the risk of suicide is high.

Front 4

Empathize with the young person’s feelings.

Back 4

Express empathy through such statements as “I understand your confusion and pain.” Empathy increases your persuasive power and defuses the adolescent’s negative emotion.

Front 5

Oppose the suicidal intent.

Back 5

Communicate sensitively but firmly that suicide is not an acceptable solution and that you want to help the adolescent explore other options.

Front 6

Offer a plan for help.

Back 6

Offer to assist the young person in finding professional help and in telling others, such as parents and school officials, who need to know about the problem.

Front 7

Obtain a commitment.

Back 7

Ask the adolescent to agree to the plan. If the young person refuses, negotiate a promise to contact you or another supportive person if and when suicidal thoughts return.