Stay Safe: A Safety Plan Helps You Cope When Feeling Suicidal
Sometimes, life can feel overwhelming. In those moments, harming yourself or thinking about suicide may seem like the only option.
When thoughts of self-harm emerge unexpectedly or become very intense, a Safety Plan can be an important source of support.
When thoughts of self-harm emerge unexpectedly or become very intense, a Safety Plan can be an important source of support.
What is a Safety Plan?
A Safety Plan is a personalised action plan to help you safely navigate a crisis by following the steps you have prepared ahead of time.
A Safety Plan contains 7 steps
- Warning signs
- Internal coping strategies
- People or places that provide distractions
- People whom I can ask for help
- Professionals or agencies that I can contact during a crisis
- Making the environment safe
- People or things that are important to me and worth living for
Create Your Safety Plan
You can create your own Safety Plan with someone you trust or with a professional, using the printable PDF form or the online version. Your plan is personal to you, and it includes steps to help you:
- Know your warning signs and can take action early.
- Distract yourself with activities you can do or be with people who can support you.
- Make sure the environment is safe.
- Think about people or things that matter and can help you get through.