Low Suicide Risk

Examples of low risk, passive suicidal ideation

• Thoughts of death, no plan, intent or behaviour
• Able to contract for safety, i.e. patient reports that they are agree to tell someone else if suicidal ideation worsens
• Strong protective factors such as
  • Ability to cope with stress
  • Religious beliefs
  • Frustration tolerance
  • Absence of psychosis
  • Responsibility to family such as children, pets, partners
  • Positive therapeutic relationships
  • Social supports

Recommendations:

Give the patient a list of local/national emergency information such as: 

• 988 suicide crisis helpline
• Local emergency departments
• Local crisis lines
• Local mental health walk-in clinics
• Find your local crisis resources anywhere in Canada
• The Canada Suicide Prevention Service

Provide handout on coping with suicidal thoughts

• Coping with Suicidal Thoughts (Blisker, 2007)
• Coping with Suicidal Thoughts (Vivyan, 2011)

In Ottawa, consider:

• Mental Health Crisis Line for Adults, 613-722-6914 (within Ottawa), 1-866-996-0991 (Champlain LHIN)  or the Distress Centre of Ottawa at 613-238-3311
• In Ottawa, if you are with the Ottawa Hospital / Bruyere Academic Health Team, consider a referral to the Shared Mental Health Team

Reference: Suicide Assessment Five-step Evaluation and Triage (SAFE-T)