What is a Safety Plan
A safety plan is a crucial tool for anyone facing mental health challenges, designed to provide clear steps to follow during a crisis. This plan is more than just a document; it’s a personal roadmap that helps guide you to safety and stability when you feel most vulnerable. By having a well-prepared safety plan, you can access the support and resources needed to manage difficult moments effectively.
How It Works
A safety plan includes a series of steps that are easy to follow when you’re feeling overwhelmed. It often involves identifying warning signs, employing internal coping strategies, reaching out to others, and determining what professional help or resources can be engaged. The goal is to make these steps actionable and tailored to your specific needs, ensuring that help is always within reach.
Identify your crisis warning signs
Write down what thoughts, moods, situations, and behaviors suggest a crisis might be coming.
List your coping strategies
Write down activities you can do alone to stop yourself from acting on harmful urges.
Make a list of supportive people
Note down friends and places where you can go to distract yourself from negative thoughts.
List supportive family and friends
Write down the names of people you can talk to when you feel stressed.
Make a contact list for crisis help
List contact information for mental health professionals, emergency rooms, and crisis hotlines. Save the Lifeline number, 1-800-273-8255, in your phone.
Make your environment safe
Identify potential self-harm methods and work with a counselor to reduce access to these means.
Keep It Accessible
It is vital to keep your safety plan easily accessible—whether it’s a copy on your fridge, in your wallet, or saved on your phone. In moments where you find yourself struggling with thoughts of self-harm, your safety plan should be the first thing you turn to. This readiness ensures that you can act quickly to soothe your distress and reach out for help if necessary.
Your Lifeline in Tough Times
Remember, a safety plan is your lifeline during tough times. It empowers you to take control when you might feel like you have none. By preparing and updating your plan regularly, you ensure it evolves with you and your needs, always offering a reliable hand to hold onto during challenging times.
We encourage everyone to create a personal safety plan. If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t wait. Start the journey toward safety today.