Assessment of suicide risk

Suicide is when someone hurts themselves so badly that they don't want to live anymore. Sometimes people might feel like they want to hurt themselves, but it is important to know that there is always help available.

Psychologists and doctors use something called an assessment to find out how much someone wants to hurt themselves and if they might try to hurt themselves in the future. This assessment helps the doctors to know how serious the problem is and what kind of help the person needs.

During an assessment, the doctor will ask the person lots of questions to understand how they are feeling. They might talk about things like their mood, thoughts, and feelings. The doctor may also ask about any stressful life events happening in the person's life. It's important to answer these questions honestly to get the best help. The doctor will work with the person to make a plan to keep them safe and to get them the help they need.

Remember, it's always okay to ask for help if you or someone you know is feeling like they want to hurt themselves. Talking to a trusted friend or family member, reaching out to a professional, or calling a crisis hotline can make a big difference.