Risk Factors
SA Scott has a history of multiple suicide risk factors. First of all, over the recent time, Scott has experienced a serious change in physical health due to his back injury, its lengthy conservative treatment, and a major back surgery that followed. Secondly, as a result of this injury, SA Scott was prescribed multiple pain medications which he has been taking for a long time. Thirdly, SA Scott has a history of depression for which he was prescribed Lexapro, an antidepressant medication that sailor stopped taking after only two weeks due to the lack of immediate effect. Moreover, SA Scott is facing a personal life crisis as a result of his recent breakup with the girlfriend of several years who reported that he had been abusive to her. He lacks social support as his family is far away and his friends are unreliable people who drink a lot. Also, he stopped attending Mental Health Clinic and FAP. Additionally, Scott may have developed an addiction to his pain medications.
Protective Factors
SA Scott has very few supportive factors. His only source of social support is his supervisor who is willing to watch out for the slightest changes in sailor’s behavior or state. Potentially, his other sources of protective factors could be a support group at a Mental Health Clinic, if only he was more accepting of help, and his mother, if she was ready to relocate and help her son. Other than that, SA Scott does not have any factors that would protect him from becoming extremely overwhelmed with stress and committing suicide.
Level of Risk for Suicide
SA Scott does not have any records of previous suicide attempts or ideation. However, his story resembles the one Major General Graham shared in the video about his son Kevin who committed suicide (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, 2009). Just like Kevin Graham, SA Scott is in the military, suffers from depression, and recently went off antidepressants which he had been taking for only two weeks. According to Major General Graham, two weeks is not enough for antidepressants to start producing an effect (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, 2009). However, going off such medication could negatively affect the state of SA Scott. As a result, the level of suicide risk of SA Scott is severe due to the combination of the lack of protective factors and the number of risk factors that occurred together over the recent time.
Plan for SA Scott
My plan for SA Scott will include the following measures:
- Hospitalization of the patient
- Assessment provided by a mental health professional
- Assessment by a substance abuse professional
- Discussion of the possibility of starting another course of antidepressants
- Creation of a safety plan for the patient
- Contacting mother for support
Prior to the implementation of the plan, it is necessary to speak with SA Scott when he is in a less distressed and disoriented condition. A discussion has to be carried about in friendly and supporting key in order to establish a trusting relationship with SA Scott. The issues that need to be discussed include emotional state, anger issues, relationship with substances and alcohol, feelings about work, health, possible financial and legal problems, relationships with ex-girlfriend and mother. It is important to help SA Scott understand that the way he feels is temporary and can be managed if only he decided to accept professional help and work on the problems.
Reference
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors. (2009). Suicide in the military: Major General Mark Graham talks with CNN’s Kyra Phillips.Web.