5th May 2024

A 27-year-old woman is brought to the emergency department by her friend after superficially cutting her forearm.

A 27-year-old woman is brought to the emergency department by her friend after superficially cutting her forearm. She has a history of depression and has previously attended the emergency department for self-harm. She is currently expressing thoughts of hopelessness and has no clear plan for suicide but mentions she “doesn’t see the point in living.”

Which is the most appropriate initial management for this patient?