SCENE 15 Suicide risk assessment

Summary

In this video script, Yan discusses his struggles with depression, work performance issues, and overwhelming feelings of helplessness. He reveals suicidal thoughts, driven by the desire to escape his problems. Yan acknowledges protective factors, such as his daughter and religious beliefs, but feels these are weak motivators. The conversation focuses on assessing his immediate risk, identifying protective factors, and exploring potential support options, such as contacting his brother. The therapist emphasizes the importance of a thorough risk assessment, ensuring client safety, and finding solutions to encourage hope and well-being.

Takeaways

• 😔 Ian is feeling overwhelmed due to a poor work performance review, which he attributes to his ongoing depression.
• 😞 He feels that life is becoming too much to handle, with one problem piling on top of another.
• 💭 Ian is experiencing frequent suicidal thoughts, particularly since the review, and finds it hard to escape these thoughts.
• 💊 He has thought about using his medication as a means to end his life but hasn't acted on it yet.
• 👨‍👧 His daughter and religious beliefs are factors that have prevented him from taking action on these thoughts so far.
• 📸 Ian spends a lot of time at home, looking at photographs, which makes him feel worse, compounding his sense of isolation and hopelessness.
• 👪 While Ian considers contacting his brother for support, he hesitates due to concerns about burdening him with his problems.
• 📞 Despite agreeing to call his brother after the session, there is uncertainty about whether Ian will follow through, necessitating follow-up support.
• 🔍 The therapist emphasizes the need for a thorough risk assessment, including understanding the likelihood and imminence of Ian acting on his suicidal thoughts.
• 🛡 Protective factors like Ian’s daughter and religious beliefs need to be reinforced, and his support network, especially his brother, should be actively engaged to provide support during this critical time.

Q & A

What was the main issue Ian discussed during the session?

Ian discussed feeling overwhelmed after receiving a poor performance review at work, which he attributes to his depression. This review has contributed to his sense of helplessness and worsened his mental state.

How does Ian feel about his current situation?

Ian feels overwhelmed and hopeless, describing his situation as one problem piling on top of another. He expresses difficulty in seeing how things could improve.

How frequently has Ian been experiencing suicidal thoughts?

Ian admitted that his suicidal thoughts have been frequent, especially after the performance review over the past few days.

What reasons does Ian give for not acting on his suicidal thoughts?

Ian mentions two reasons: his daughter, as he doesn't want her to think he lacked the courage to continue living, and his religious beliefs, which discourage suicide.

What method does Ian mention for potentially acting on his suicidal thoughts?

Ian mentions that he has considered using his prescribed medication to end his life, though he is not entirely sure about the outcome.

What stops Ian from engaging more with strategies to feel better?

Ian admits that he hasn't been able to focus on strategies for improving his situation because he's been feeling too overwhelmed and stuck in a negative mindset.

What coping strategy does Ian consider during the session?

Ian considers visiting his brother John and his family as a potential source of support, though he hesitates because he worries about burdening his brother with his problems.

What does Ian spend his time doing since his performance review?

Ian has been spending most of his time in bed or sitting around the house, often looking at photographs of his deceased wife, which he acknowledges makes him feel worse.

How does the therapist assess Ian's risk level during the session?

The therapist is concerned about Ian's safety, especially since Ian indicates that the part of him wanting to end his life is stronger than the part resisting it. The therapist also asks about Ian’s plan to call his brother for support and considers checking in later to ensure he does.

What are some protective factors identified during the session?

The therapist identifies two protective factors: Ian’s concern for his daughter and his religious background, both of which play a role in preventing him from acting on his suicidal thoughts.