Traditional suicide risk assessment focuses on factors like previous attempts, family history, substance abuse, and expressions of hopelessness. 

We look for some of the following verbal signs that things might not be ok:  

“I wanna die.” 

“I do not want to live anymore.” 

“I don’t wanna be here anymore.” 

“No one understands me.” 

“Everything sucks.” 

“I’m tired of being a burden to others.”

However, digital-age risk assessment must expand to include new indicators, such as isolation patterns, anthropomorphization of Ai, and repetitive behaviours.  

Increasing reliance on AI or anonymous online interactions for emotional support, while withdrawing from physical social connections.

Pseudotherapeutic relationships

Describing AI systems or online entities as understanding them better than real people in their lives.  

Anthropomorphizing

The tendency to create humans attributes to online systems by anthropomorphizing Ai systems.

Digital rumination

Repetitive online searching for information about self-harm methods or existential topics related to death and dying.

Dysphoria

Significant distress when online avatars/personas, in other words digital relationships don’t translate to the physical realm in terms of satisfaction and connection.

Algorithmic amplification

By increasing exposure to self-harm content due to algorithm-driven recommendations based on previous searches or interactions.

But is this, or even a general retreat from digital systems realistic? Viable? 

Frankly I think it’s unrealistic, and I strongly suggest we actually teach people to use these systems for themselves as tools and not something to avoid or ban.  

There are so many numerous points in our own history that can teach us what really happens when we as humans tend to ban things.  Add in a rebellious teenage tendency to push boundaries and limits, well it’s a recipe for disaster. 

We need to have stronger safeguards in Ai systems, particularly for prolonged interactions with potentially vulnerable users. It means training our healthcare providers to understand the current digital age, and training us to really be able to spot the current risk factors.  It also means we need to rethink our approaches to therapy. 

A recent article which I found this morning on the fourth of September, discusses the parental controls that Open Ai is going to roll out at some point.  I’m holding my breath as in two different previous articles I wrote about the disastrous launch of ChatGPT-5 when it was officially released by OpenAI on August 7, 2025.  It also even inspired me to  produce a downloadable pdf to help understand attachment styles!

If you are interested in previous articles I have provided a link below in the titles of the articles.

When your chatbot ghosts you.

Navigating post ChatGPT 4 blues.

Attachment styles downloadable pdf.  

I digressed a little there but back to subject matter, the most important thing we can do is to ensure that we maintain effective human connections in all mental health interventions, regardless of the technological tools we employ, whether we are in the digital realm or physical one. 

And so from the heart of São Paulo, Brazil to healthcare systems worldwide, we must recognise that suicide prevention in the digital age requires new frameworks, new training, and new forms of collaboration between technology developers, mental health professionals, and communities.

The tragedy of Adam Raine and countless others like him demands nothing less than a fundamental reimagining of how we provide mental health support in our interconnected world. 

This Yellow September, let’s commit not just to awareness, but to action.  

Action which is informed by combining both the cutting-edge neuroscience and timeless human compassion.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out:
Brazil: CVV – 188
USA: Lifeline – 988
UK: Samaritans – 116 123
International: findahelpline.com

Remember: you are not alone, and help is always available.

Onwards towards Part 6.