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How to Treat the Suicidal Patient

When an individual feels so hopeless that he cannot fathom living any longer, he may turn to suicide. Suicide is the eleventh leading cause of death in America, according to the Center for Disease Control. Suicide is sometimes accompanied by a co-existing medical issue such as depression or substance abuse and can be triggered by stressful life circumstances.

Things You'll Need

  • Contact information for the suicidal person
  • Contact information for a family member or friend of the suicidal person
  • Phone number to suicide hotline
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Instructions

  1. Treatment

    • 1

      Do a thorough intake assessment. Ask about family history of mental illness, medications the patient is currently taking, and whether the patient has any physical illnesses. Find out if the patient has made any prior attempts at suicide as well. According to the American Association of Suicidology (AAS), one of the risk factors for suicide is a history of self-harming behaviors.

    • 2

      Ask questions regarding the specific details of the patient's suicidal thoughts. Ask if the patient has a plan and a means. Find out if the patient is currently using substances. Additionally, individuals who are seriously considering suicide often get their affairs in order before committing the act. They may make amends with certain people, get their finances straightened out and give away their possessions.

    • 3

      Determine whether the suicide threat is passive or active. Passive threats include such language as "I am tired of being here" and "I wish I could go to heaven now". Active threats may be more specific such as "I want to shoot myself" or "I am thinking about ending my life."

    • 4

      Call the authorities immediately if the suicide threat is active and the patient has a plan and a means to follow through on the threat. The police will send a Psychological Evaluation Team (PET) to assess the seriousness of the threat and can hold patients against their will if necessary to further evaluate the situation.

    • 5

      Ask questions and continue the assessment process if the suicide threat is passive. Find out as many details as possible about the suicidal thoughts. Recommend that patients get a complete physical with their medical doctor to rule out any physical conditions that could be contributing to the suicidal thoughts and feelings. Recommend that patients get evaluated by a psychiatrist to determine whether a psychotropic drug is necessary. Ask patients to sign a contract promising they will not harm themselves. Encourage patients to call a "safe person" and share what is going on so they no longer feel so alone.

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