Crisis Safety Plan
Your emergency roadmap. Saved securely on this device.
Pre-populated based on clinical evidence for Major Depressive Disorder. Learn them before a crisis happens.
- Expressing intent to harm themselves or others
- Active suicidal plan: has identified method, time, or place
- Giving away meaningful possessions or saying goodbye to people
- Psychotic symptoms: hearing voices, paranoid beliefs
- Complete inability to care for basic needs for more than 48 hours
- Suicidal ideation: 'I wish I were dead,' 'I don't want to be here,' 'everyone would be better off'
- Complete social withdrawal — not responding to calls, texts, or knocks for 24+ hours
- Not eating or drinking for more than 24 hours
- Stopping antidepressants or other medications without telling their doctor
- Severe hopelessness: 'nothing will ever change,' 'I'm beyond help'
- Significant increase in alcohol or substance use
- Sleep disruption worsening: sleeping significantly more or less than usual
- Increasing withdrawal from activities and people they normally engage with
- Increased self-critical statements or expressions of worthlessness
- Difficulty completing basic tasks: hygiene, meals, getting dressed
- Canceling plans repeatedly or not following through on commitments
- 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.