Suicidal Ideation
Behavioral Definitions

• Recurrent thoughts of or preoccupation with death
• Recurrent or ongoing suicidal ideation without any plans
• Ongoing suicidal ideation with a specific plan
• Recent suicide attempt
• History of suicide attempts that required professional or family/friend intervention on some level (e.g.  inpatient, safe house, out-patient, or supervision)
• Positive family history of depression and/or a preoccupation with suicidal thoughts.
• A bleak, hopeless attitude regarding life coupled with recent life events that support this (e.g. divorce, death of a friend or family member, or loss of job)
• Social withdrawal, lethargy, and apathy coupled with expressions of wanting to die
• Sudden change from being depressed to upbeat and at peace, while actions indicate the client is “putting his/her house in order” and there has been no genuine resolution of conflict issues
• Engages in self-destructive or dangerous behavior (e.g. chronic drug or alcohol abuse; promiscuity, unprotected sex; reckless driving, etc .) that appears to invite death.

 

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