"Life doesn't make any sense without interdependence. We need each other, and the sooner we learn that, the better for us all."
-Erik Erikson
Mary Lynne Calkins, MA, LISW-S
Mary Lynne, a social worker with the Health Resource Center, said that when conducting a risk assessment for a potentially suicidal client, one of the most important risk factors is whether that client has attempted suicide in the past. She shared that it is also important to look at a client's family history to see if any family members suffered from suicidal ideation or behaviors, as well as history of abuse, presence of hallucinations (ex. command), and access to means. She emphasized the need for clinicians to utilize thorough documentation and connect clients to community resources such as case management.
Rosalind Moore, APRN
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Rosalind is a nurse practitioner at Health Resource Center and has extensive experience with children and adolescents in medication management.She pointed out that children tend to lose social support around age 18 or 19 after graduating from high school so this predisposes them to more mental and emotional distress. She highlighted that clients need to advocate for themselves in getting the proper treatment for their needs, such as when selecting a thorough, empathetic provider, because this sense of empowerment contributes to positive mental health.
Mary Friemoth, MS, APRN, CNS
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Mary is also a nurse practitioner at Health Resource Center and said that when a client indicates that they might be at risk for suicide or homicide, she asks what kind of weapons they have access to and works with them to reduce their access to those means. She noted that people may want to have suicide as an option for coping with suffering. In her approach with clients at risk, she focuses on assessing, seeing if they have natural supports, providing clinical support, instilling hope, and talking about the future. Talking about the future might entail telling a client that you will see them next for their appointment or asking them about their routine.