Case 1. Investigate Ben's Present Suicidal Ideation And Intent

Investigate Ben's present suicidal ideation and intent. Ben, it is imperative that you understand that you are welcome to discuss any suicidal ideations you may experience openly with me. My role is to provide a listening ear and help ensure your safety." Have there been any recent thoughts of self-harm or suicide? "On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the least intense and 10 being the most intense, how would you rate the strength of these thoughts?" Do you have any concrete plans or intentions to act on these thoughts? Examine Ben's present psychotic symptoms. You have mentioned auditory hallucinations. Could you elaborate on the content of these voices? Have you experienced any other sensory perceptions that are not observable to others? How convinced are you of the reality of these
Investigate Ben's patterns of substance use and symptoms of withdrawal. You have mentioned the use of alcohol, ice, and cannabis. Could you provide further details on your typical substance use patterns? When was your last use of these substances? Have you encountered any adverse physical or emotional symptoms since discontinuing use? Assess the support system and coping mechanisms of Ben. Who are the significant individuals in your life whom you can rely on for support now? What activities or hobbies serve as a source of comfort during periods of distress? Have you been employing any effective coping strategies recently? The situation can be effectively managed by posing questions in a calm, non-judgmental tone and employing simple language. It is imperative to normalize conversations surrounding suicide and psychosis. It is crucial to acknowledge and validate Ben's experiences and emotions. It is advisable to not pose leading questions. Should Ben exhibit signs of agitation, it is recommended to halt the assessment and use de-escalation techniques