When a person struggles with depression – enough to consider or attempt to end their own life – psychiatrists and other mental health professionals will often work with them to develop what is known as a “Safety Plan.”
Often the decision to take that step occurs as an emotional reaction to an event, thought, or struggle. Interrupting that – as well as being aware of when you’re going down that darker path – can help make sure that you stay safe and get the treatment you need until those feelings are addressed.
That is why you may be asked to create a Safety Plan – a structured, personalized plan for what you should do, think, and know if you have these thoughts or intentions. Safety plans are developed with a mental health professional and designed to address different needs that may arise as a result of those feelings.
What’s Included in a Safety Plan?
Because Safety Plans are highly individualized, what’s included in them may vary according to the person’s individual needs. But you can expect for them to include:
- Triggers – Knowing a person’s triggers can help them respond before they have a severe reaction. For example, if one trigger is struggling to keep up with school, then the safety plan might include that so that the person can be aware of what causes these heavy emotions.
- Warning Signs – Similarly, before a person experiences the desire to end their life, there are typically warning signs that something is wrong – such as feeling frustrated, cutting behaviors/thoughts of self-harm, and social withdrawal. The individual, with the mental health professional, will work to identify these warning signs so they can be addressed early.
- Reasons for Living and Goals – When a person is caught up in this type of moment, they may feel hopeless about the future. Safety plans remind them of their reasons for living, helping them see why the future is so important and allowing them to envision both a reason to live and a future for themselves.
- Coping Strategies – When they’re feeling these heavy emotions, the Safety Plan will give them coping techniques and options they can use to support their mental health. Examples may include going for a walk, relaxation exercises, art, journaling, and more. They are instructed to attempt these coping strategies first before any additional behaviors.
- Contacts – Often, a Safety Plan includes a list of contacts. These include social support contacts (friends and family they can call for help), professional contacts (psychiatrists), suicide hotlines, and other numbers they can call if they feel as though they’re losing control of the situation.
There is also a section about how to create a safe environment in the home, and what to do to make sure it is more difficult for them to continue with their thoughts/feelings. For example, having a friend lock away firearms, or a family member remove knives and medications from the home. The more difficult it is to end ones life, the less likely someone is to do it.
What’s Next?
Safety plans can be an important part of the mental health process, providing information to help the individual reduce their likelihood of taking their own life, and potentially improving their mental health as well. For those struggling with depression that would like to learn more about the treatments that are available, contact Skycloud Mental Health, today.