POLICE ASSOCIATION OF NOVA SCOTIA 107 Safety plans to prevent suicide (continued) Step 1: List warning signs that indicate a suicidal crisis may be developing. Guiding question(s) for the person thinking about suicide What (situations, thoughts, feelings, body sensations, or behaviours) do you experience that let you know you are on your way to thinking about suicide, or that let you know you are mentally unwell generally?Think about some of the more subtle cues. Examples: Situation: argument with a loved one Thoughts: “I am so fed up with this and I can’t handle it anymore” Body sensations: Urge to drink alcohol Behaviours: Watch violent movies, irregular eating schedule When to implement? At any time before a suicidal crisis. How to implement? Being aware of one’s own warning signs can alert the person to the fact that they may be at high risk of thinking about suicide when these situations/thoughts/body sensations arise.They can put the plan in action and move onto the next step: coping strategies. Step 2: List the coping strategies that can be used to divert thoughts, including suicidal thoughts. Guiding question(s) for the person thinking about suicide What (distracting activity, relaxation or soothing technique, physical activity) helps take your mind away from thought patterns that feel scary or uncomfortable, or thoughts of suicide? Examples Distracting activity: Watch a funny movie Relaxation technique: Deliberate breathing Physical activity: Go for a bike ride When to implement? At any time before a suicidal crisis, or when suicidal thoughts emerge but are not intense. How to implement? The person with thoughts of suicide can use these coping strategies to help distract them from their thoughts and move them to a more positive mental space. Friends/caregivers can suggest to the person that they use one or more of their coping strategies and support them if needed. Step 3: List the places and people that can be used as a distraction from thoughts of suicide. Guiding question(s) for the person thinking about suicide Where can you go to feel grounded, where your mind can be led away from thoughts of suicide? Who helps take your mind away from these thoughts? Examples Places: Go to a movie, sit in a park People: Text friend (name, phone), go for coffee with a co-worker (name, phone) When to implement? At any time before a suicidal crisis, or when suicidal thoughts emerge but are not intense. How to implement? The person with thoughts of suicide can go to these places or contact these people to help distract them from their thoughts of suicide and move them to a more positive mental space. Step 4: List all the people that can be contacted in a crisis, along with their contact information. Guiding question(s) for the person thinking about suicide Who among your friends, family, and service providers can you call when you need help (when your thoughts become overwhelming or you’re thinking about suicide)? Examples Mom: work phone, cell phone Spouse: work phone, cell phone When to implement? At any time before a suicidal crisis, or when suicidal thoughts emerge and are becoming more intense. 1 2 3 4 (continued)
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