Lesson 4 Risk Assessment
Many persons affected by mental health problems are at risk of self-harm or suicide.
Risk factors for suicide are:
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Individual |
Relationship |
Community |
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Previous suicide attempt |
Adverse childhood experiences such as child abuse and deglect |
Barriers to health care |
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Mental illness, such as depression |
Bullying |
Cultural and religious beliefs such as a belief that suicide is noble resolution of a personal problem |
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Social isolation |
Familiy history of suicide |
Suicide cluster in the community |
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Criminal and/ or financial problems |
Relationshio problems such as a breap- up, violence or loss |
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Substance abuse |
Sexual violence |
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Impulsive or aggressive tendencies |
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Job problems or loss |
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Legal problems |
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Serious illness |
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Warning signs for suicide may be:
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Talk
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Behaviour
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Mood
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Killing themselves |
Increased use of alcohol or drugs |
Depression |
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Feeling hopeless |
Looking for a way to ent their lives, such as searching online for methods |
Anxiety |
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Having no reason to live |
Withdrawing from activities |
Loss of interest |
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Being a burden to others |
Isolating from family and friends |
Irritability |
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Feeling trapped |
Sleeping too much or too little |
Humiliation/ Shame |
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Unbearable pain |
Visiting or calling people to say goodbye |
Agitation/ Anger |
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Giving away prized possessions |
Relief/ sudden Improvement |
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Aggression |
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Fatigue |
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- Coping and problem-solving skills
- Cultural and religious beliefs that discourage suicide
- Connections to friends, family, and community support
- Supportive relationships with care providers
- Availability of physical and mental health care
- Limited access to lethal means among people at risk
Self-injurious behavior is a common symptom of mental health problems. Self-injury is primarily used to relieve tension and to feel oneself again. Because the consequences of self-injury are harmful and the intensity of self-harm can increase, it is a danger and a symptom that should be taken seriously.
There are alternative ways to deal with tension, so called “skills” are tested in therapy and applied in tension situations. Skills are mostly focused on perception and especially address the senses with strong stimuli. Skills can be, for example, eating a chili pepper, touching a sharp object or a strong smell. The skill training was developed as an intervention for borderline disorders. Medication can also be used to reduce tension.
