Suicide Scale

Form I use each appointment with my clients.  I have several who are on various levels on this scale - some are up to 7.  So, we (clients and I) track where they are at each appointment.

If you find that you need assistance - please call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-talk (8255) or 1-800-suicide.  A resource site is www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

Scale of suicidal thoughts and actions

1	Random Thoughts of Suicide This is normal – Everyone has thought “Well, if I weren’t here” or “If I were dead”… But at this stage, the thoughts are not often, are passing, and are more a “what if” than an idea of something that should be happening.
2	Frequent Thoughts of Suicide
3	Frequent Thoughts of Suicide AND Intent (sounds like a good idea…)
4	Frequent Thoughts of Suicide AND Intent AND starting to gather information
5	Frequent Thoughts of Suicide and STARTING TO MAKE PLANS
6	Frequent Thoughts of Suicide and PLANS and gathering the things to carry out the plan
7	Frequent Thoughts of Suicide AND Plans AND MEANS TO DO IT
8	Suicide Attempt, but then seeking help
9	Suicide Attempt without telling anyone or seeking help after attempting
10	I will commit suicide within the near future

Where are you on the scale?

What might change to move you closer to 10?

What would have to change before you moved closer to 1?

• 1-3 = we talk about it. 

  4-5 = we work on safety planning and on alternatives to suicide. We remove all potential weapons (ESPECIALLY GUNS) from the house.  We talk about locking up and controlling access to medications.

  6-7 = we connect DAILY and work with crisis management professionals/support persons. And 7 may mean that the person needs to be hospitalized, but regardless of end result, it means SUPER IMPORTANT to get lots of support, mental health help, and have some sort of supervision/safe place.

  8 and up = Time for making sure there is 24 hour supervision, being in a safe place, and possible hospitalization.