What do you do if a client expresses suicidal thoughts as an entry-level peer support professional?

1 Assess the risk

The first thing you need to do is assess the risk of suicide for your client. You can use tools such as the Suicide Assessment Five-step Evaluation and Triage (SAFE-T) or the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) to guide your questions and evaluation. You need to determine if your client has a plan, a method, a timeline, and access to lethal means. You also need to consider other factors such as previous attempts, mental health conditions, substance use, and social support.

2 Ensure safety

The next thing you need to do is ensure the safety of your client and yourself. If your client is in immediate danger of harming themselves or others, you need to call 911 or the local emergency services and stay with them until help arrives. You can also contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text HOME to 741741 for additional support. If your client is not in immediate danger, but still has suicidal thoughts, you need to work with them to create a safety plan. A safety plan is a written document that outlines coping strategies, resources, and contacts that your client can use when they feel suicidal.

3 Provide support

The third thing you need to do is provide support to your client. As a peer support professional, you have a unique role in offering empathy, understanding, and hope to your client. You can use your own lived experience of recovery to relate to your client and inspire them. You can also use motivational interviewing, active listening, and validation skills to help your client express their feelings, explore their reasons for living, and identify their strengths and goals. You can also help your client access other sources of support, such as therapy, medication, or peer groups.

4 Follow up

The fourth thing you need to do is follow up with your client. You need to check in with your client regularly and monitor their progress and well-being. You can use phone calls, texts, emails, or visits to stay in touch and offer ongoing support. You can also review and update the safety plan with your client and encourage them to use it when needed. You can also help your client track their mood, triggers, and coping skills using apps or journals.

5 Seek supervision

The fifth thing you need to do is seek supervision for yourself. Working with suicidal clients can be emotionally draining and stressful, and you need to take care of your own mental health and well-being. You can seek supervision from your supervisor, mentor, or colleague to discuss your cases, get feedback, and learn new skills. You can also seek professional help if you experience signs of burnout, compassion fatigue, or vicarious trauma. You can also practice self-care strategies such as setting boundaries, taking breaks, exercising, meditating, or engaging in hobbies.

6 Learn and grow

The sixth thing you need to do is learn and grow from your experience. Working with suicidal clients can be challenging, but also rewarding and fulfilling. You can use your experience to improve your knowledge, skills, and confidence as a peer support professional. You can also use your experience to advocate for suicide prevention and awareness in your community and profession. You can also use your experience to celebrate your own recovery and resilience.