Child Psychology

» redback - A life worth living?

A bit of a worry given the qualifications you use of "indicates" and "risk". Depression IS a risk factor by itself as are the other mood disorders and certain risk-taking or self harm behaviours. They are indicators, not determinants.

Someone says to you "I'm thinking of killing myself but don't tell mum." Mental Health First Aid says you always take that seriously so need to alert someone. How you do that depends on the rapport with the person concerned. MHFA also OKs asking the question directly when judgement calls for it so I agree with that mythbuster.

High risk or low risk is the issue but treat it as a risk before the event proves otherwise. Suicide is not the only risk a depressed person may face so why wait? How you prioritise anticipated risks generally may give you the skills.

Sorry, Laurie...soapbox time. The term 'commit suicide' is known to have stigma potential.

Official suicide figures are close or just the tip of the ice berg? It's hidden from the insurance companies, or when feelings need to be protected or shame felt when not passing the news on, when left to 'open findings' by coroners if accident still possible etc.

What of the euthanasia version? What are the indicators and preferred interventions?

-- posted by redback