Safety plan
A short written plan, made in advance, for getting through a suicidal crisis. It lists warning signs, coping steps, people to call, and crisis lines.
Category: Therapy and treatment
What is safety plan?
You make a safety plan when you're calm, so it's ready when you're not. It's usually written with a therapist or someone you trust. Keep it short. Keep it close, like on your phone.
Key things to know
The most widely used version, from psychologists Barbara Stanley and Gregory Brown, has 6 parts. It starts with your personal warning signs and things you can do alone to cope. Next come people and places that take your mind off things, then people you can ask for help, then professionals and crisis lines. The last part is making your surroundings safer, like putting medicines out of reach.
- Write it when you're calm, so it's ready in a crisis.
- Keep it short and easy to reach.
- Include real names and numbers, not general ideas.
- Making your surroundings safer is a key step.
- Update it after any crisis or big change.
What helps
Research shows safety planning lowers suicidal behaviour, and it works best when it's personal and specific. Review it after a crisis and update it as life changes. In India, Tele-MANAS is free and available 24x7 at 14416. In an emergency, call 112.
How SelfMind can help
SelfMind is an AI companion for everyday mental health support: a private place to talk through what you are feeling, in Hindi, English or Hinglish, at any hour. It is not therapy and not a crisis service; it works alongside professional care, never in place of it. You can try it free, no account needed.
Related terms
This entry is educational information, not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment plan. For assessment and treatment, consult a qualified mental health professional. If you are in crisis, see our crisis resources. In India, Tele-MANAS is free at 14416, 24x7.