Suicide Risk Assessment

What is Suicidal Ideation?

Suicidal Ideation comes in two forms: active or passive.

Passive Suicidal Ideation means the person has thoughts of suicide and/or self harm, but does not have a plan to carry these actions out.

Active Suicidal Ideation means the person has thoughts of suicide and/or self harm, and has developed a plan to carry these actions out.

If you or someone you know is experiencing intense active suicidal ideation, seek help immediately.

Suicide Risk Assessment

Answer the Following Questions:

Within the past month, have you ever wished you were dead?

Within the past few months, have you had any non-specific active suicidal thoughts?

Within the past few months, have you had any active suicidal ideation involving methods but lacking a plan, and had no intention to act?

Within the past three months, have you had any non-suicidal self-injurious behavior?

Do you have a history of suicidal behavior?

If you answered yes to at least one of the above, continue the assessment. If not, prevent isolation and communicate concerns to a parent or doctor. You do not necessarily require hospitalization, but this may vary on a case-to-case basis. If you stopped the assessment here, you are considered Low Risk.

Within the past month, have you had any non-specific active suicidal thoughts?

Within the past month, have you had any active suicidal ideation involving methods but lacking a plan, and had no intention to act?

Within the past few months, have you had any active suicidal ideation with a specific plan and/or intent?

Do you have a history of suicidal behavior, especially within the past half-year?

If you answered yes to at least one of these questions, continue the assessment. If not, seek a professional or adult to create a safety plan (Safety Plan Template), and consider seeking a psychologist. If you stopped the assessment here, you are considered Moderate Risk.

Within the past month, have you had any active suicidal ideation with intent to act, with or without a specific plan?

Have you experienced suicidal behavior within the past three months?

If you answered yes to at least one of these questions, seek a professional or adult to create a safety plan (Safety Plan Template). Consider seeking immediate psychological care, including an emergency room or inpatient clinic. For the long term, you may seek a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) or a psychologist and/or psychiatrist. If you stopped the assessment here, you are considered High Risk.

If you or someone you know has just attempted suicide, plans to attempt suicide, has just harmed themself or others, or plans to harm themself or others, seek professional help immediately. Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) or call 911. Following a suicide attempt or self-harm incident, take said person to the nearest emergency room for an immediate evaluation. Be sure to tell doctors exactly what happened in full transparency. From there, they will fill out a risk assessment and discuss plans for an inpatient program or potential release plans.

The above assessment answers vary on a case-to-case basis. Ultimately, you know yourself best. If you believe you are in danger of harming yourself or others, seek help immediately.