Crisis Safety Plan
Your emergency roadmap. Saved securely on this device.
Pre-populated based on clinical evidence for Anxiety Disorders (GAD, Panic, Social Anxiety). Learn them before a crisis happens.
- Expressing intent to harm themselves or others
- Suicidal statements or behavior (anxiety disorders carry elevated suicide risk)
- Complete inability to leave the home or function for 48+ hours
- Panic attacks that are not resolving and are accompanied by chest pain or difficulty breathing (rule out cardiac event)
- Dissociative episodes where they cannot recognize familiar people or places
- Suicidal ideation, even passive: 'I can't keep living like this,' 'I wish I could disappear'
- Agoraphobia expanding: refusing to leave the house, refusing to be alone
- Complete avoidance of all anxiety-provoking situations, including work or school
- Stopping medication without telling their doctor
- Significant increase in alcohol or substance use to manage anxiety
- Panic attacks occurring multiple times per day
- Avoidance expanding to new situations or places
- Sleep disruption: difficulty falling or staying asleep due to worry
- Increased reassurance-seeking beyond their usual baseline
- Physical symptoms worsening: headaches, GI distress, muscle tension
- Withdrawing from social activities or relationships
- Missing therapy appointments or refusing to practice exposure exercises
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.