Stanley-Brown Safety Plan 2.7

WHAT IS A SAFETY PLAN?

A safety plan is a document comprising coping strategies and social supports designed for individuals facing suicidal crises or severe distress. Its purpose is to help prevent acting on suicidal feelings. This plan is concise, personalized in the individual's own words, and presented in a user-friendly format. It serves as an emergency strategy for managing suicide crises.

WHO SHOULD HAVE A SAFETY PLAN?

Individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts and seeking assistance in improving their mental well-being should consider having a safety plan.

Clinicians can collaborate with individuals to create the safety plan, or individuals can develop their plans independently.

IMPLEMENTING THE SAFETY PLAN

1. Step 1: Warning Signs
   List specific warning signs indicative of a suicide crisis, such as thoughts, images, cognitive patterns, mood changes, or behaviors.
2. Step 2: Internal Coping Strategies
   Enumerate solitary activities that can distract from suicidal ideation, like going online, listening to calming music, taking walks, or watching TV.
3. Step 3: Social Contacts and Supportive Environments
   Identify trusted individuals and safe social settings that can provide distraction and encouragement during a crisis, without discussing suicidal thoughts.
4. Step 4: Family or Friends Support System
   List family members or friends who can offer help during a suicidal situation, allowing for discussions on suicidal feelings if necessary.
5. Step 5: Professional Resources
   Include vital health professionals to contact in emergencies, local emergency room information, and crisis line numbers.
6. Step 6: Securing the Environment
   Determine methods to restrict or remove access to potentially harmful means.

WHAT ARE THE STEPS AFTER THE PLAN IS DEVELOPED?

• ASSESS the likelihood of implementing the safety plan overall. Identify and eliminate barriers preventing plan use.
• REVIEW the plan regularly to assess if revisions are required.

The Safety Plan app was developed with permission from Stanley & Brown (2012). Developers include Barbara Stanley, Gregory K. Brown, and Padraic Doyle from the New York State Office of Mental Health.