1.
True or false, people who talk about suicide are only trying to get attention. They won't really do it.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
WRONG! Few who die by suicide without first letting someone else know how they feel. Those who are considering suicide give clues and warnings as a cry for help. In fact, most seek out someone to rescue them. Over 70% who threaten suicide either make an attempt or complete the act.
2.
Which of the following questions should you NOT ask your caller?
Correct Answer
C. You're not thinking of suicide, are you?
Explanation
If you're talking to somebody, and they don't seem like they're thinking of suicide, it's fairly easy to say, "You're not thinking of suicide, are you?" We really don't want to do that. We want to ask directly.
3.
What are some buffers for preventing suicide?
Correct Answer
E. All of the above
Explanation
All of the options listed - perceived immediate supports, planning for the future, engagement with a helper, and a sense of purpose - can act as buffers for preventing suicide. Perceived immediate supports refer to having people or resources available to provide immediate help and support during a crisis. Planning for the future involves setting goals and having a sense of hope and anticipation for what lies ahead. Engagement with a helper refers to seeking professional assistance or confiding in someone who can provide guidance and support. Finally, having a sense of purpose gives individuals a reason to live and motivates them to overcome difficult times.
4.
Suicidal people wish to escape psychological pain. Their state of extreme distress diminishes their ability to think of ways to do so, which leads some people to consider suicide as an escape.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The explanation for the given correct answer is that suicidal individuals often experience intense psychological pain and distress. This overwhelming state of distress can impair their ability to think clearly and consider alternative solutions to their problems. As a result, some individuals may view suicide as a way to escape this psychological pain and find relief. Therefore, it is true that suicidal people wish to escape psychological pain, which can lead them to consider suicide as an escape.
5.
We can make outbound calls to a third party who is at imminent risk of suicide.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
If the call-worker believes the person of interest is in imminent risk of danger to themselves or others, they may make an outbound call to the POI or 911.
6.
Which of the following could be a caller's reason for not killing themselves?
Correct Answer
D. All of the above
Explanation
The correct answer is "All of the above" because all the options provided suggest potential reasons why a caller may choose not to kill themselves. These reasons include responsibility and commitment to family, child-related concerns, religious faith, belief or hope that problems can be solved, future plans or hope for the future, belief that life has meaning, self-esteem, love for self and others, moral objections to suicide, and the belief that suicide will not solve anything.
7.
Of people who kill themselves, most had given some clues and warnings to others of their intentions, though some of their clues may be non-verbal or difficult to detect.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
This statement suggests that a majority of people who commit suicide often exhibit warning signs or clues to others about their intentions. These clues may not always be verbal and can be difficult to detect. Therefore, the answer "True" indicates that there is a likelihood of individuals giving some form of indication before taking such a drastic step.
8.
Which of the following warning signs is the MOST INDICATIVE of suicide?
Correct Answer
A. Verbal cues such as, "No one will have to worry about me anymore."
Explanation
Verbal cues such as, "No one will have to worry about me anymore" are the most indicative of suicide because they directly express the person's intention to end their life. This statement suggests that the person believes their death will relieve the burden they perceive themselves to be on others. Verbal cues are important warning signs as they provide direct insight into the person's thoughts and intentions. Loss of appetite, feelings of guilt, and social withdrawal are also potential indicators of suicidal ideation, but the explicit statement about not causing worry anymore is a stronger indicator.
9.
Which of these is NOT NECESSARILY a suicide warning sign?
Correct Answer
C. Cutting
Explanation
Those who cut or engage in self-harm as a response to stress don't necessarily want to kill themselves.
10.
Suicidal intent is made up of the following:
Correct Answer
E. All of the above
Explanation
The correct answer is "All of the above" because suicidal intent encompasses all the mentioned factors. Suicidal intent can be present when there is a plan or attempt in progress, an imminent plan to harm oneself or others, preparatory behaviors, and an expressed intent to die. Each of these elements contributes to the overall assessment of someone's suicidal intent, and when all of them are present, it indicates a higher level of risk.
11.
When should you alert a supervisor?
Correct Answer
D. A & B
Explanation
You should alert a supervisor when a caller tells you about abuse of a child or elder adult, or when a caller tells you that they've already taken steps towards suicide. In both of these situations, immediate action and intervention may be necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of the individuals involved.