Repeat after us: suicide, suicide, suicide. The more we practice saying a word the easier it is. We know suicide is a hard one. But it doesn’t have to be. Prevention takes all of us and the first step is talking about it. The thing is, there’s real hope for everyone dealing with suicide because there are MANY steps you can take to move towards help. You don’t have to be a licensed professional to talk to someone about suicide, you just need to care about yourself and others.
I need help.
Thinking about killing yourself can be scary and intense. There are people who care about you and want to help.
I want to help someone else.
Great! Research shows asking someone directly if they are thinking of killing themselves helps prevent death.
Make a crisis response plan
Whether we are writing a plan for ourselves or helping someone else, a Crisis Response Plan (CRP) always includes:
- Personal Warning Signs
- Self-Management Strategies
- Reasons for Living
- Social Support
- Professional Support
Remember to keep the plan where it will be used. It could be a piece of paper in a wallet/purse. It could be on a phone. It just matters that’s easily accessible.
Download a printable CRP template HERE or grab a version to keep on your phone HERE.
You have Personal Warning Signs that signal challenging times ahead. Recognizing these thoughts, behaviors, emotions, and sensations helps you effectively handle them.
Since you're still here, you’ve used some Self-Management Strategies when you've felt this way before. These are the simple things you say or do that help relieve stress or shift your focus.
Understanding your Reasons For Living gives you a sense of purpose and meaning, keeping you motivated during tough times. List yours and ways to engage with them.
Who are the Social Supports that help you feel better during challenging times? Sometimes, all it takes is one person to make you feel better.
List all the Professional Supports you’re willing to use (and their contact information). This can be crisis lines, community resources, medical providers, and/or counselors.
After writing the plan, read back over it. Ask: On a scale of 1-10, 1 being not at all and 10 being absolutely, how likely are you to use this plan? If it’s less than 7, make some changes to the plan.
