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Suicidal Behaviors--Checklist  
SPECIFIC SITUATIONS BEHAVIOR/SIGNS GENERAL SUPPORTIVE ACTIONS
A member displays behaviors suggestive of risk for suicide
Comments that suggest thoughts of suicide
Giving away possessions
Uncharacteristic risk taking (e.g., reckless driving)
Appearing overwhelmed by recent stressor(s)
Displaying significant change in mood
Displaying poor impulse control
Significant change in workplace performance
Seeing situation as hopeless
Obsessing about death, dying, etc.
Making amends or challenging people in an aggressive manner
Acquiring a method for suicide (e.g., buying a handgun)
Rehearsing suicidal acts
Ask "How are you doing?" "Is there anything I can do to help?"
Inquire directly about whether he or she is considering suicide ("Have you had thoughts about wanting to harm or kill yourself?")
Keep them safe--do not leave them alone
Take steps to remove potential means of self-harm including firearms, pills, knives, and ropes
If suicidal thoughts are present, encourage voluntary evaluation immediately at local emergency room or in-house psychological services.  Escort person to location.  Verify  that member was evaluated.
If member declined to self-refer, but no imminent danger initiate an emergency  evaluation
Involve law enforcement if agitated or combative
If you need answers to specific questions in order to make a decision i.e., appropriateness for certain duties or retention of service revolver, request a commander directed evaluation
If hospitalization is required, inquire with psychological services/EAP what assistance is needed (e.g., arranging for child care or pet care)
SPECIFIC SITUATIONS BEHAVIOR/SIGNS TAILORED SUPPORT
Behavioral health provider informs you that the member is at increased risk for suicide, but member refuses treatment and does not meet criteria for involuntary hospitalization
Same as above
Communicate a personal desire to see the member return to well-being and to full functioning as soon as possible
Express concern and encourage professional help-seeking
Inquire as to whether the individual has at least one source of support.  If needed, try to find an acceptable support person, such as the chaplain or peer
Inquire about barriers of seeking help at psychological services.
Remove from duties involving access to weapons, poisons, etc, to include access to weapons at home.
Collaborate with psychological services/EAP to develop plan to monitor risk and provide support.  Frequent follow-up will be important
Take steps to limit access to personal firearms, medications, or other potential means of suicide (work with the member and consult with family members, roommates, etc).  Consult with legal, watch commander and EAP
The member is under suspicion or investigation by Internal Affairs for a departmental violation and shows evidence of suicidality
Talking about suicide
Depressed mood or agitation worsens
Increasing hopelessness
Discuss resources available to the member

 

 

 

 
The member is in treatment but condition is worsening
Increasingly impaired work performance
Depressed mood or agitation worsens
Increasing social isolation
Worsening personal appearance
Bizarre or unusual behavior
Talking of suicide
Noticeable change or decline after a period of stability
Collaborate with psychological services/EAP to develop plan to monitor risk and provide support
Take steps to limit access to personal firearms, medications or other potential means of suicide (work with the member and consult with family members, roommates, etc).  Consult with legal.
Communicate a personal desire to see the member return to well-being and to full functioning as soon as possible