How to Coach Yourself and Others Empowering Coaching And Crisis Interventions | Page 178

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2. University of Oxford Risk assessment for clients with depression
Risk factors specific to depression
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Family history of mental disorder.
History of previous suicide attempts (this includes self-harm).
Severe depression.
Anxiety.
Feelings of hopelessness.
Personality disorder.
Alcohol abuse and/or drug abuse.
Male gender.

Other risk factors for consideration
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Family history of suicide or self-harm.
Physical illness (especially when this is recently diagnosed, chronic and/or painful).
Exposure to suicidal behaviour of others, either directly or via the media.
Recent discharge from psychiatric inpatient care.
Access to potentially lethal means of self- harm/suicide.

Possible protective factors
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Social support.
Religious belief.
Being responsible for children (especially young children).

In assessing patients’ current suicide potential, the following questions can be explored:
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Are they feeling hopeless, or that life is not worth living?
Have they made plans to end their life?
Have they told anyone about it?
Have they carried out any acts in anticipation of death (e.g. putting their affairs in order)?
Do they have the means for a suicidal act (do they have access to pills, insecticide, firearms...)?
Is there any available support (family, friends, carers...)?
Where practical, and with consent, it is generally a good idea to inform and involve family members and
close friends or carers. This is particularly important where risk is thought to be high.
When a patient is at risk of suicide this information should be recorded in the patient’s notes. Where
applicable, it is important to share awareness of risk with other team members.
Regular and pro-active follow-up is highly recommended.

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