5th May 2024

A 19-year-old university student was brought to the emergency department by her roommate due to expressed suicidal thoughts following a recent breakup.

A 19-year-old university student was brought to the emergency department by her roommate due to expressed suicidal thoughts following a recent breakup. The patient appears withdrawn, has a low mood and mentions feeling hopeless. She has no previous psychiatric history but discloses she has been contemplating self-harm.

Which is the most appropriate initial management step for her symptoms?