Crisis Safety Plan
Your emergency roadmap. Saved securely on this device.
Pre-populated based on clinical evidence for Bipolar 1 Disorder. Learn them before a crisis happens.
- Expressing intent to harm themselves or others
- Psychotic symptoms: hearing voices, seeing things, paranoid delusions
- Complete inability to sleep for 3+ days with no distress about it
- Dangerous impulsive behavior: reckless driving, giving away possessions, unprotected sex with strangers
- Unresponsive, catatonic, or unable to recognize familiar people
- Sleeping less than 3 hours per night and feeling 'fine' or energized
- Rapid, pressured speech that cannot be interrupted
- Grandiose beliefs: believing they have special powers, are famous, or have a special mission
- Spending sprees, large financial decisions, or maxing out credit cards
- Severe depression with statements like 'I wish I were dead' or 'everyone would be better off without me'
- Stopping psychiatric medications without telling their doctor
- Sleep decreasing by more than 2 hours from their baseline
- Increased irritability, especially when plans are interrupted
- More talkative than usual, jumping between topics
- Increased goal-directed activity (starting multiple projects simultaneously)
- Increased alcohol or substance use
- Missing therapy or psychiatry appointments
Used in VA hospitals, crisis centers, and emergency departments worldwide. Fill it out before a crisis. Review it together regularly. Keep a copy on the refrigerator, in a wallet, and on a phone.
Warning Signs
Thoughts, moods, situations, or behaviors that signal a crisis may be developing.
Internal Coping Strategies
Things they can do on their own — without contacting anyone — to take their mind off the crisis.
People and Places That Provide Distraction
Social contacts or settings that can help shift focus — without necessarily discussing the crisis.
People I Can Ask for Help
Family members or friends who can help during a crisis — people they trust enough to tell what is happening.
Professionals and Agencies to Contact
Treatment providers, crisis lines, and emergency services.
741741 — Crisis Text Line (text HOME)
911 — Emergency Services
Making the Environment Safe
Specific steps to reduce access to lethal means. Refer to the Lethal Means Counseling section above.
One thing that makes life worth living
Research shows that identifying a specific reason to live — however small — is protective during a crisis.
Stanley, B. & Brown, G.K. (2012). Safety planning intervention: A brief intervention to mitigate suicide risk. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 19(2), 256–264.
What specific actions will you take when you notice warning signs? Personalize these for your situation.