Introduction
Suicide is a complex personal and sociological phenomenon that affects people regardless of their race or ethnicity. It accounted for 49,449 deaths in the United States in 2022 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023). Although suicide cases have slightly decreased, the number of suicides per 100,000 individuals has risen by about 35% over the last two decades (Caron, 2023). In this case, individuals who are 65 years and over have been reported to have the highest increase in the statistics of suicide deaths compared to other age brackets in 2022 (Caron, 2023). This paper explores how to assess a client for suicidal risk and provides a commentary on faith as a protective factor against this psychological issue.
Assessment
Establish Rapport
The first step during assessment is developing an excellent interpersonal relationship with them. Rapport is a therapeutic relationship related to parity and collaboration between physicians and patients. Research has demonstrated that this harmonious engagement can improve patient compliance with treatment, satisfaction, and clinical outcomes (Butt, 2021). A positive rapport makes patients feel comfortable and secure to share their thoughts and feelings. As a result, a general practitioner can be able to ask them direct questions about suicidal ideation and ascertain the level of risk.
Identify Risk Factors
These are variables or warning signs associated with an increased risk of suicide. Risk factors include psychological, biological, family, cultural, or community characteristics that predispose a client to a higher likelihood of adverse outcomes (Ryan & Oquendo, 2020). In this case, clients’ previous suicide attempts, substance abuse, history of mental illness, and availability of lethal means need to be assessed to recognize triggers or precipitants that make them susceptible to suicidal behavior.
Identify Protective Factors
The strategies adopted here can act as a buffer against suicidal inclination. They may include examining the patient’s emotional traits and coping skills, ability to solve life problems and manage stress, and evaluating their comfort with change or ambiguity (Rubin et al., 2012). Other factors that can be discussed include reasons for living, such as beloved pets, family, moral and religious dogmas that discourage suicide, relationships, and resources for healing (Ryan & Oquendo, 2020). Exploring these factors can help patients deal more effectively with stress and mitigate suicidal thoughts.
Religious beliefs and practices offer individuals meaning to life, thus reducing the chances of committing suicide. For example, the Bible reminds Christians that bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and their lives were bought at a price (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Similarly, Romans 14:7-8 indicates people do not live for themselves alone but for the Lord. Thus, it is evident that God values life, and being suicidal is not part of His plan for people. Nevertheless, this is not always the case; an individual’s religion can also cause frustration, especially when a person perceives God as distant (Jongkind et al., 2019). Hence, it is essential to understand each client’s belief system and how they can be a source of distress.
Develop a Safety Plan
The final phase entails creating a collaborative approach to develop an intervention to help clients manage suicidal leanings and behaviors. Some remedies may include providing a personal plan, which may entail a written list of sources of support and coping strategies (Rubin et al., 2012). Others include offering them mental health treatment resources and information on how to contact a suicide hotline. Safety planning is associated with a reduction in suicidal conduct and increased treatment engagement among suicidal patients after emergency department (ED) discharge (Ryan & Oquendo, 2020). Therefore, it may be a valuable tool in various clinical settings and populations, including veterans.
Conclusion
Suicide is a severe psychological problem that can lead to mortality. For this reason, clinical assessment is needed to isolate root causes, such as drug addiction, that can predispose clients to this issue. The assessment procedure involves several steps: establishing a rapport, exploring risk factors, identifying protective actions, and designing a safety measure. The process can enable healthcare professionals in different clinical environments to address their patients’ mental needs.
References
Butt M. F. (2021). Approaches to building rapport with patients. Clinical Medicine, 21(6), 1-2. Web.
Caron, C. (2023). U.S. suicide deaths rose in 2022, C.D.C. estimates say. The New York Times. Web.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Suicide data and statistics. Web.
Jongkind, M., van den Brink, B., Schaap-Jonker, H., van der Velde, N., & Braam, A. W. (2019). Dimensions of religion associated with suicide attempt and suicide ideation in depressed, religiously affiliated patients. Suicide & Life-Threatening Behavior, 49(2), 505–519. Web.
King James Bible. (2023). King James Bible Online. Web.
Rubin, A., Weiss, E. L., & Coll, J. E. (Eds.). (2012). Handbook of military social work (1st edition). John Wiley & Sons.
Ryan, E. P., & Oquendo, M. A. (2020). Suicide risk assessment and prevention: Challenges and opportunities. Focus, 18(2), 88–99. Web.