How to Coach Yourself and Others Empowering Coaching And Crisis Interventions | Page 156

This book is in B&W, not color - Print page in Grayscale for Correct view! Intuition or "gut sense" of the seriousness of this particular person's presentation is a very valuable tool in assessing suicide risk. From the beginning of the interaction with the person, begin to ask for contracts or little agreements. For example: "I know you feel lousy right now, but would you agree to sit and talk with me just for half an hour?" Take every threat of suicide seriously. Consult others as necessary and never promise anything that you cannot do. Do not say that you care if you do not really care. “It is very hard to make decisions when you are feeling this bad. Can you let us help you with decisions until you are feeling better?" Develop a strategy Help the person make a decision on a specific, short-term plan. You won't resolve all the problems; stick to one issue that is doable. There are three wishes identifiable prior to a person attempting suicide: 1. The wish to die or be dead 2. The wish to be killed 3. The wish to commit murder Any one of these wishes may create ambivalence. The work of the crisis services provider is to identify the ambivalence, point it out, and create more time. The more time between the impulse to commit suicide and the act, the more likely it is the person will choose life. Certain steps should be followed when intervening with someone who feels suicidal. Suggested guidelines for assessment and prevention CAUTION! NO ONE CAN PREDICT A SUICIDE! Assess lethality The following factors are important in determining if the person is likely to actually attempt suicide and how lethal the attempt may be:  What resources does he/she have?  What resources can you offer?  What has this person already tried?  The level of detail to which the person has planned the act  The dangerousness and availability of the method  The level of isolation OFFER OPTIONS -- NOT SOLUTIONS Choices empower a person to make decisions and create a plan that is specific, doable, and short-term. For [email protected] Property of Bookemon, do NOT distribute 156