Staying Safe From Suicide: Your Safety Plan
Mental Health · Crisis Intervention
Thoughts of suicide mean you are in deep pain, and help works. A safety plan tells you and your family what to do, step by step, when these thoughts come.
Know your warning signs
- Thinking about death or wanting to die
- Feeling hopeless, trapped, or like a burden
- Pulling away from people, or drinking or using drugs more
- My warning signs: ____________.
Follow your safety plan
- Step 1: Do something that calms you, such as a walk, music, or prayer.
- Step 2: Go to a place or person that takes your mind off things.
- Step 3: Tell someone you trust that you are thinking about suicide: ____________.
- Step 4: Call or text 988, or call your provider: ____________.
Make your home safer
- Ask someone you trust to keep any guns outside your home for now.
- If a gun stays, lock it unloaded. Lock bullets in a different place.
- Lock up medicines. Keep only small amounts.
For family and friends
- Ask directly: "Are you thinking about suicide?" Asking does not put the idea in their head.
- Listen without judging. Do not keep it a secret.
- Watch for giving things away, saying goodbye, or sudden calm after deep sadness.
- Never leave someone alone who is in danger right now.
Keep up your care
- Go to your next visit, within 1 week of leaving the hospital.
- Take your medicines. Avoid alcohol and drugs.
Call your provider today if you have
- Thoughts of suicide without a plan: call or text 988 (or your local crisis line) now
- Worse sadness, worry, or sleep
Call 911 or your local emergency number if you have
- A plan or a strong urge to end your life
- Taken too many pills or hurt yourself on purpose
- A loved one with a plan, a weapon, or pills ready to use