Which symptom of depression should be reported?

Which symptom of depression should be reported?

• A. Joking about someone else's mental health disorder
• B. Lack of interest in reading
• C. Joking about hurting oneself
• D. Fear of confined spaces

Answer: (C)

Noting statements about self-harm and acting on them quickly is essential in caring for someone with depression. When a resident jokes about hurting themselves, it can signal underlying suicidal thoughts or intent. This carries immediate safety implications, so it must be reported right away to a supervisor or the appropriate mental health team so they can assess risk and take steps to keep the person safe. The other items described may be concerns or part of broader issues, but they do not carry the same urgent safety risk as expressions about self-harm. Joking about someone else’s mental health, a lack of interest in reading, or fear of confined spaces can warrant attention or further assessment, but they don’t inherently indicate an imminent self-harm risk that requires immediate reporting in the same way.

Noting statements about self-harm and acting on them quickly is essential in caring for someone with depression. When a resident jokes about hurting themselves, it can signal underlying suicidal thoughts or intent. This carries immediate safety implications, so it must be reported right away to a supervisor or the appropriate mental health team so they can assess risk and take steps to keep the person safe.

The other items described may be concerns or part of broader issues, but they do not carry the same urgent safety risk as expressions about self-harm. Joking about someone else’s mental health, a lack of interest in reading, or fear of confined spaces can warrant attention or further assessment, but they don’t inherently indicate an imminent self-harm risk that requires immediate reporting in the same way.