You are a counselor working in a community mental health clinic. You are meeting with a new client, a 25-year-old man named John, who is seeking help for depression and anxiety. John tells you that he has been feeling down and hopeless for the past few months. He has also been having trouble sleeping and concentrating. He says that he has had thoughts of harming himself, but he has never acted on them.

You ask John about his history of mental health problems. He tells you that he has been diagnosed with depression and anxiety in the past. He has also had some problems with substance abuse. John tells you that he is currently unemployed and living with his parents. He says that he has no friends and that he feels isolated and alone.

Based on John’s history and current symptoms, you believe that he is at risk for self-harm. You decide to create a risk assessment to further assess his risk and develop a safety plan.

Here are some specific behaviors that led you to create a risk assessment:

• John’s history of depression and anxiety. These are two mental health conditions that are associated with an increased risk of self-harm.
• John’s recent thoughts of harming himself. This is a clear warning sign that he may be at risk of acting on these thoughts.
• John’s isolation and loneliness. These factors can contribute to feelings of hopelessness and despair, which can increase the risk of self-harm.
• John’s lack of a support system. Having a strong support system can help to protect people from self-harm. John’s lack of friends and family members who can support him makes him more vulnerable.