A mental health safety plan will help you cope in a mental health crisis. When you’re in crisis, it can be hard to think straight. You may have thoughts of harming yourself or others. You may be struggling and feel overwhelmed. At those times, a safety plan helps you take care of yourself. It is a step-by-step map that you help create. The plan supports you after you are discharged.
Creating your plan
Find a calm time to create your safety plan. Go over it with your healthcare provider or counselor. Ask for feedback. Share this plan with people you trust who can help you through a crisis. Keep your safety plan in a place where you can review it often.
It’s important to commit to using this safety plan. And it’s important to get the support you need. Write down answers to these questions so you are ready when you leave the hospital:
When will I need to use my plan?
What are ways to distract or comfort myself?
Where can I go to feel safe?
What are my reasons for living?
People I can talk to or call for support:
My healthcare providers or agencies to reach out to for help during a crisis:
How can I make my environment safe? This may include giving up alcohol and drugs, removing any weapons from the home, and locking up all medicines.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your healthcare provider as often as advised. Don’t change your treatment or medicines. Talk with your provider first. It’s important to work closely with your healthcare provider to manage your condition.
Call or text 988
Call or text
When to call your healthcare provider
Call your healthcare provider right away if any of these happen:
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Your symptoms get worse
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You feel extreme depression, fear, anxiety, or anger toward yourself or others
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You feel out of control
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You feel that you may try to harm yourself or others
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You hear voices that others don’t hear
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You see things that others don’t see
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You haven't slept or eaten for 3 days in a row
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Your friends or family express concern and ask you to get help
