This is a template for a personal safety plan which you can work on with a caller who may not know how to cope with thoughts of suicide
Please ask the caller if they have a pen & paper before you begin, so they can keep this safety plan for future reference.
The template may be tailored to suit an individual caller's needs
(for example, you may only need Step 1 and 2, or Step 4 and 5), but it can also be followed fully and in order.
This is a template for a personal safety plan which you can work on with a caller who may not know how to cope with thoughts of suicide
Please ask the caller if they have a pen & paper before you begin, so they can keep this safety plan for future reference.
The template may be tailored to suit an individual caller's needs
(for example, you may only need Step 1 and 2, or Step 4 and 5), but it can also be followed fully and in order.
Step 1: What are some things that you can recognize in yourself which can remind you to use this safety plan? For example, any thoughts, emotions, or behaviors that may be a warning that a crisis is developing.
Examples: racing thoughts, feeling hopeless, feeling down, feeling depressed, self harm, stressful events
Step 2: What can you do to make sure that your environment is safe?
Examples: removing any weapons, pills or other objects which could pose a health or safety risk, holding a soft or harmless object to keep hands busy.
Step 3: What are some internal coping strategies that you can use?
Examples: meditate, exercise, listen to music, watch a movie/tv show/youtube, writing, etc.
Step 4: Who are some people that you know or organizations you can call to either talk about this with you, or distract you?
Examples: LGBT National Help Center, Suicide Prevention Lifeline, Emergency services, 911, therapist, school counselor, teacher, trusted friends or family members.
Example:
Suicide hotline: 1-800-SUICIDE
Trevor Project: 866-488-7386
LGBT National Talkline: 800-246-7743
Mr. Rice, my supportive neighbor, xxx-xxx-xxxx
_____________, _________________, xxx-xxx-xxxx
Step 5: Where are some safe places that you can go to either to get help or distract you?
Examples: Distracting safe places: a local coffee shop, library, local mall, taking a walk (in a safe place at a safe time)
Places to get help: local LGBT community center, support group, social group, etc.