How To Be Alert to Suicidal Warning signs?

Suicidal signs

1. Suicidal Threats

• Writing farewell letters.
• Giving away treasured articles.
• Making a will.
• Closing bank accounts .
• Appearing peaceful and happy after a period of depression.
• Refusing to eat or drink, maintain personal hygiene.


2. Monitoring the patient's safety needs

• Take all suicidal Threats or attempts seriously and notify psychiatrist.
• Search for toxic agents such as drugs/alcohol.
• Do not leave the drug tray within reach of the patient, make sure that the daily medication is swallowed.
• Remove sharp instruments such as razor, blades, knives, glass bottles from his environment.
• Remove straps and clothing such as belts, neckties.
• Do not allow the patient to belt his door on the inside, make sure that somebody accompanies him to the bathroom.
• Patient should be kept in constant observation and should never be left alone.
• Have good vigilance especially during morning hours.
• Spend time with him, talk to him and allow him to ventilate his feelings.
• Encourage him to talk about his suicidal plans/ methods.
• If suicidal tendencies are very severe, sedation should be given as prescribed.


3. Encourage verbal communication of suicidal ideas as well as his/her fear and depressive thoughts. A 'no suicidal' part may be signed while is a written agreement between the client will not act on suicidal impulses, but will approach the nurse to talk about them.


4. Enhance self esteem of the patient by forcing on his strengths rather than weakness. His positive qualities should be emphasised with realistic praise and appreciation. This fosters a sense of self worth and enables him to take control of his life situation.


5. Violent or aggressive behaviour or excitement

• This is a severe form of aggressiveness.
• Patient will be irrational, uncooperative, delusional and assaultive.