Being Objective

The Assessment of Suicide Risk

In the science-obsessed world in which we live, everything needs to be measured, analysed and labelled - even SUICIDE. 

Science's objective approach to measuring suicide risk (for example) appears to be based upon two distinct sets of factors...

• Fixed factors: These can be examined without any interaction with the individual.
• Fluid factors: These tend only to become apparent through interaction with the individual.

Fixed factors

• Young unemployed males
• Physical illness
• History of Self Harm
• Living alone
• Actual or attempted suicide by close friend or relative.
• Those who abuse and have been abused
• Soon after discharge from hospital - esp 1st month.
• Women without children

Suicide is believed to be highest amongst the socially deprived, the depressed, those with severe illness and those who arte isolated or living alone.

FLUID FACTORS

• A lack of future plans
• Giving away property
• Tying up loose ends
• Recent experiences of failure and /or rejection
• Recent major life stress
• A loss of concern by the individual for others
• A loss of concern by the others for the individual.
• A belief that key people would be affected by their death
• An absence of 'key therapists' perhaps on leave
• The anniversary of a loss
• A rapid reduction of an addictive drug or psycotropic medication
• Fluid improvement in the face of unresolved problems.
• The availability of the means guns/ poisons etc
• Difficulty in resisting thoughts of ending life.
• Difficulty in distinguishing between thoghts, ideas and intentions.

What triggers suicide

• Loss of important relationship
• Change in abilities
• Change in functioning
• Unable to manage depression
• To avoid or end pain
• Escape intolerable pain
• Gain attention
• Manipulate others
• Punish others
• Punish self
• Become a martyr
• Dying - to help others
• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Family disruption
• Relationship breakup
• Separation
• Divorce
• Trauma
• Terminal illness of close friend or relative
• Death of a close friend or relative
• Stress on Family
• Loss of health
• Loss of Employment
• Loss of Home
• Loss of Status
• Loss of Money
• Loss of Self Esteem
• Loss of Personal Security

WARNING SIGNS

• Loss of interest in personal appearance
• Inability or unwillingness to communicate
• Diminished sexual appetite through to sexual promiscuity.
• Loss of appetite & weight - through to overeating
• Loss of interest in prior relationships
• Loss of interest in previously loved activities
• Confusion
• Inability to concentrate
• Making a will
• Putting affairs into order
• Giving away prized possessions.
• Change in sleep pattern - from insomnia - nightmares - through to oversleeping
• Abrupt changes in personality
• Abuse of alcohol and/or drugs
• Rebeliousness - reckless behaviour
• Accident prone as a consequence of carelessness
• Extreme or extended boredom
• Violent warning signs
• Previous suicide attempts
• Self inflicted injuries
• Inapproppriately saying goodbye
• Preoccupation  with suicide and/or death
• Running away from responsibilty. Truancy. Poor performance at work
• Before and during disciplinary action
• Development of suicidal plan, Acquiring the means. Rehersing and setting the date.

CHARACTERISTIC TRAITS

• Loneliness
• Sadness
• Withdrawal
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Tiredness
• Indecisiveness
• Apathy
• Low Self Esteem
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Shame
• Guilt
• Self Loathing
• Self Hatred
• Depression
• Panic
• Restlessness
• Distress
• Powerlessness
• Prone to angry outbursts