Seema has been referred to the Mental Health Team by her GP as she had expressed suicidal thoughts. Having phoned Seema the duty team’s assessment concluded that she was not at immediate risk as she did not indicate having any specific plans to take he

As a social worker assessing Seema's mental health and establishing her needs, it’s important to create a safe and supportive environment. The questions should aim to clarify her feelings, circumstances, and any support she might require. Here are some open-ended and specific questions that can facilitate this assessment: 1. **Understanding Her Situation:** - Can you tell me more about how you’ve been feeling lately? - What has been happening in your life that you think has contributed to these feelings? 2. **Exploring Suicidal Thoughts:** - You mentioned feeling like you wish you weren’t here at times; can you describe when those feelings come up? - Have there been any specific situations or triggers that lead to these thoughts? 3. **Family Dynamics:** - You mentioned some recent arguments with your family. Can you share more about those disagreements? - How do you think your relationship with your family is impacting your mental health? 4. **Support Systems:** - Who do you feel you can talk to about how you’re feeling? - Are there friends or family members who have supported you in the past when you’ve felt down? 5. **Coping Mechanisms:** - How have you been coping with these feelings on your own? - Are there activities or hobbies that provide you some comfort or relief when you’re feeling low? 6. **Future Planning:** - I understand there’s a family event coming up. How are you feeling about attending it? - What would make you feel more comfortable or supported at that event, if you decide to attend? 7. **Understanding Needs:** - What do you feel you need right now to help improve your situation? - Is there anything specific that you think would help you feel better or more secure? 8. **Assessing Risks:** - Have you thought about how you might manage it if you do start feeling overwhelmed again? - Do you have any safety strategies or supports in place for moments when you’re feeling particularly low? 9. **Seeking Professional Help:** - Have you had any previous experiences with mental health support or therapy? If so, how did those go? - Are you open to working with a counselor or therapist to explore these feelings more deeply? 10. **Logistics and Preferences:** - Would you prefer in-person visits or virtual sessions with the mental health team? - How can we set up our meetings in a way that feels most comfortable for you? These questions are intended to create a dialogue that helps Seema feel heard and understood, while also allowing the social worker to gather relevant information regarding her mental health status, risks, and support needs.