Suicide Prevention - Creating a Safety Plan

Suicide is one of the main causes of death throughout the world. To put the global crisis

into perspective, more than 720,000 people die due to suicide each year. Many societies

and cultures find discussing suicide inappropriate and taboo. How are we supposed to

prevent something that is truly a public health problem without open discussion and

awareness?

There is no one reason for suicide. It is multi-faceted, influenced by social, cultural,

biological, psychological, and environmental factors present across the life-course. So

what can we do to prevent it and other self-harming behaviors?

Below is a list of effective evidence- based interventions:

• limit access to the means of suicide (e.g. pesticides, firearms, certain medications);

• interact with the media for responsible reporting of suicide;

• foster socio-emotional life skills in adolescents; and

• early identify, assess, manage and follow up anyone who is affected by suicidal

behaviors.

Please visit this link for more information.

As a Mental Health Clinician, I learned about the importance of openly discussing suicidal

ideation and accessing proper level of care for clients, even if it means referring client to a

higher level of care. My client's safety and well-being is always my top priority.

I also learned the importance of creating a Safety Plan with clients, whether the client has

ever had suicidal thoughts, self-harmed, or not. I think these statistics speak for

themselves. These documents provide several tools personal to the client to use when an

episode occurs to keep them safe. Safety Plans were originally called Suicide Contracts,

as they served as a written agreement between client and clinician that they have agreed to

this plan when in crisis and will not act upon their impulses while receiving treatment from

their therapist. It has evidence-based results to lower rates of suicide and self-harming

behaviors. Everyone should have a Safety Plan to know what can be done when they are in

a low point in life. Please see Safety Plan below to complete and share with whoever may

benefit from it. We never know when a crisis will occur.

What if you struggle with coming up with a Support Person?

I would challenge you to get creative, think outside the box, and address barriers. Maybe

brainstorm someone that cares about your safety, even if you don't get along well. I've completed

these plans with all kinds of individuals, various ages, through all walks of life.

I’ve seen kiddos be creative and write down a household pet, imaginary friend, or even a

comfort item that make them feel calm and safe. At the end of the day, it is YOUR Safety

Plan, so emergency numbers can be used if need be. But I would encourage you to revisit

this section with time to see if you can add more resources.

This should be treated as an ever-changing document. We will change and grow, especially

when receiving psychotherapy and working towards goals. As such, our warning signs and

coping skills will change as we start to become more Intune with ourselves.

If you have a struggle in your life that you are carrying alone and would like someone to listen to

your story, or you would like help with your prevention plan, we have a team of trained professional

counselors that would love to be a supportive outlet for you.