Topic Tuesday // How to build a safety plan with a loved one // 24 Oct. 7pm AEDT

[KF1969]

Thank you I am looking forward to learning every Tuesday night.

[Shaz51]

I never done one before 2 years ago as well  @KF1969, I wished i had ,

[NikNik]

So the go-to template we usually use is Beyondblue's BeyondNow template. Not only does it have good questions in the plan, but it makes it very accessible. It can be filled out through an app, or filled out online.

For the person filling it out, the questions are very clear and some great suggestions / examples if they get stuck responding. The plan consists of:

My warning signs: 

Warning signs are changes in thoughts, moods or behaviours that suggest you may be heading towards a suicidal crisis. Knowing your warning signs can help you take action early.

My reasons to live: 

When you're having thoughts or feelings about suicide, it's easy to get caught up in the pain you're feeling and forget the positives in your life. Thinking about your reasons to live may help you change your focus until the suicidal thoughts pass.

Make my environment safe:

Having a safe space is important if you are having thoughts of suicide. This includes making the environment around you safer, or taking yourself out of unsafe situations.  

You can do some of these things right now, while others are plans for when you start to experience your warning signs.

Things I can do by myself:

Suicidal thoughts can make it hard to focus on anything else. Activities that distract you from them are an important strategy to keep you safe. List some activities to do by yourself. 

Connect with people and place:

It can be hard to socialise when you're struggling with suicidal thoughts, but just being around other people can improve your mood.

Make a list of people you could spend time with or social places you could go

Friends and family I can talk to:

Trusted friends and family members can help you stay safe and feel better by providing practical support, or just being there to listen. List supportive people you can talk to when feeling suicidal.

Professional support:

Professional support is always available when things become too much.

List the names, numbers and/or locations of mental health professionals, crisis teams and hospitals you can contact. In an emergency, always call triple zero (000).

You can also contact one of the services listed below to speak confidentially with a trained counsellor:

• Lifeline 13 11 14
• Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659467
• beyondblue Support Service 1300 22 46 36

You can find it here

What do you think? Would you add anything?

[Shaz51]

What do you think? I think you have covered a lot there for our loved ones @NikNik

Would you add anything? - How to build a safety plan with a loved one for the carer

[Former-Member]

Hello @NikNik
I agree with @Charm63 to me a safety plan is part of a relapse prevention plan where identifiable factors are considered before things get really bad.

[liveforlife]

I have a teenager with mental illness.

[Former-Member]

My safety plan follows the above @NikNik @Shaz51

[Charm63]

Thanks for sharing the BeyondNow template, many great suggestions there. We will definitely use this together.

[KF1969]

Does have a space for medication/ doses etc - allergies

[Misty2]

I would like a safety plan when someone loses insight into their illness.  It is very difficult to convince someone of the need to see their doctor when they have lost touch with reality.