Lethality Assessment Review
Introduction
For my Lethality Assessment, I utilized the Suicide Risk Assessment that I use at Bismarck R5 School District. I developed this assessment two years ago when I became the school counselor for grades six through twelve. Because this assessment is designed to be used with students, some of its content was not applicable to this assignment.
The subjects for my assessments were two family members that I am very close to. I chose these family members because they both have mental health concerns and have each had suicidal tendencies in the past. Their names have been changed in my reports.
Assessment #1- Bob Smith
Bob is a twenty-year-old male that has been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, Borderline Personality Disorder, and Generalized Anxiety. Bob was hospitalized when he was eleven years old for suicidal ideation. Bob was hospitalized again when he was fifteen when he attempted suicide by severely cutting his wrist. Since then, Bob has self-harmed numerous times, but not to the extent of a suicide attempt.
Due to severe anxiety and very poor social skills, Bob is unable to work. Bob has been trying to get approved for disability for two and a half years but has yet to get approved. Bob did see a state-appointed psychiatrist last week as part of his disability determination and he is hopeful that he will finally get approved.
Bob has tried numerous psychotropic medications but says none of them has helped. Bob stated that marijuana does help and he recently got his medical marijuana card. However, there are not marijuana dispensaries near Bob’s home yet.
The suicide risk assessment revealed that Bob often feels depressed, hopeless, has poor coping skills, feels rejected, had previous suicide attempts and self-harm (cutting), and has access to a means to harm self (Bob does not own a firearm). Bob does have a good support system. He is currently living with his fiancé and he is still close to his dad. Bob’s total score on the assessment was 16, which is extremely high.
A mock student safety agreement was made with Bob. Bob agreed to talk to his fiancé and/or his dad whenever he is feeling depressed or has suicidal thoughts. Bob also stated that he utilizes music as a coping mechanism as well.
Assessment #2- Amber Jones
Amber is a forty-seven-year-old female that has been diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Amber had a severe panic attack eight years ago when she was driving in St. Louis. Amber has been unable to drive since. Amber informed me that she is very frustrated and “sick” of not having her independence.
Warning signs noted on the suicide risk assessment were sad or depressed affect, hopelessness (in regards to being able to drive), family problems, sense of desperation, and access to means to harm self. Amber did not have any plans to harm herself and has a good support system (her husband, parents, and good friends). Amber has stable relationships (i.e. been married for twenty-six years). Amber is in good physical health. Amber’s overall score was a three; which is very low. Because of this, no further action would be necessary.
Conclusion
A lethality assessment is very difficult to do on an individual who is not in an actual crisis. Each of the individuals I chose for this assignment present with mental health concerns. Bob, like most people with mental health issues of his nature, will probably battle his condition for his entire life. Amber’s condition is more promising. With the right medication and counseling, I believe she can overcome her fear of driving.
The suicide risk assessment I used is a very good tool to utilize in the school setting. Its main purpose is to serve as a communication tool. School counselors are trained to recognize suicidal behaviors. However, once they have been identified, the school counselor must inform parents and refer the student to the appropriate outside resources.