[ThingWithFeathers]

My t and I are working on a safety plan for me. I'm just wondering what others have put in their safety plans and whether they actually work for you?

[ScarletPimpernel]

My plan is in this order:

Arts, crafts, other distractions
Self-soothing
Talk to my fiance
Ativan
Call T
Go to hospital

[ruh roh]

My former pdoc had one that she put in my chart but didn't say anything to me about (I found it in my online record) but it was just nonsense anyway--just basic things that anyone would do, like call the clinic. I assumed it was for them to have a record of trying to prevent a sui. That kind of thing doesn't do anything for me.

[substancelessblue]

Just a list of phone numbers. I have to pin it on my wall so I actually see it when I'm in crisis. I have used it. But then again there have been times when I've ignored it. But maybe if my T had pushed it more (she basically stopped mentioning it after a couple of weeks) I would be more motivated.

[bounceback]

When I was in counseling before I moved it was mandatory everyone have a safety plan before you start services or at the beginning of a group. Usually it would include contact numbers, crisis line number, people who you can call who will be supportive, people not to call who won't be supportive, distraction ideas like watching movies, going for a walk, hugging someone, exercise, etc. It would also have the clinic number or therapist phone number. A statement something like this "If I am feeling ******** I will do this, this, and this in a certain order. I won't take drugs, act impulsive, call unsupportive people, etc.

[junkDNA]

it pretty much said how long i was contracting to be safe for, 4 things i planned to do for that period to keep me safe or stay distracted, and 4 protective factors for staying safe, so like- staying safe for my cat, my family, my friends, my recovery, etc.

Depends probably on what your safety plan is for. It might be a bit different for self harm as opposed to suicide. Mine was for suicide and was meant to kick in when the thoughts and ideations started because at that point the usual self-care measures had stopped working:

1.Tell my husband what is going on with me and turn over all meds to him.
2. Call T, let him know what is going on, and get in for extra sessions as soon as possible
and as frequently as needed during this period.
3. Call pdoc, tell him what is going on so he can decide if a med adjustment is in order.
4. In the meantime, stay as active as possible, stay around people, and
rinse/lather/repeat all of the above until the episode subsides.
5. If things deteriorated further, get in to see my pdoc personally and start considering
voluntary hospitalization.
6. Sign myself in.

[BipolarMama31]

1. Tell my husband.
2. Give him keys, phone, alcohol and all meds.
3. Take seroquel.
4. Call pdoc and therapist if during normal hours. If not call crisis line.
5. Meditate if possible. If not, just have husband put meditation tape on.
6. Have crisis team come to house
7. IP

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[kecanoe]

Take 2 mg of Xanax or 10-25mg of Zyprexa. Go to bed.

[musinglizzy]

I don't have one. We never talked about it. But I'm not one to be in "crisis." If I am, I rarely tell anyone. There have maybe been two times in two years I've sent a text to T when I was nearly there.... one time she called me almost immediately. (the first and last time we ever spoke on the phone). The second time she texted back and forth with me till she thought I had it all somewhat figured out. Now, I don't have the option to text her....I guess I can in an emergency, but I wouldn't. I don't really have a plan with T2 or T3 either...although T2 suggested I text her, and although not really a crisis, she did call me and talk to me about it for awhile on a few occasions. Of all three Ts, T2 I know would be there to talk to me in a heartbeat if I could. T1, maybe, but I'm nervous about texting her now that she asked me (and supposedly all of her other clients) to stop. T3, although I think she's the best match for me, and I'm likely to stay with her over the other two, I do NOT have a text number, and she may not check her Emails as frequently as the other two. But she has told me if needed, call the office phone and she will call me back when she can. So, I know in real time, I could get ahold of T1 or T2 but not T3. There have been a few times lately I've felt like I'm nearly there...I see I've been going downhill a bit lately.... but I haven't really reached out to any of them. Like I said...I'm not one to rely on any of them for that. Unfortunately, T1, the most damaging, is the one I would want. But I will soon be starting to see T3 twice a week and am reducing sessions with T1, so perhaps that will help me feel more connected to T3. I think, with her massage/bodywork psychotherapy, she's the best match. But...T1 offered me things that gave me the same feeling, then took it away. For some reason, I don't have ANY fear that T3 will take anything away....which is good. Between the three, I go to therapy four days a week. It consumes my life, seriously!

[SheHulk07]

Mine with T2 is more or less what keeps me from acting on my thoughts, what people I can call; ie my cousin and T2, and numbers to crisis lines. And alternative things to do, like crafts or music. I haven't had to make up a safety plan with T1 in about 2 years, but I think I need to.

[ThingWithFeathers]

Thanks for sharing everyone! It helps me a lot in contributing to my plan. My t will be sending through ny plan this week.

Do you follow your plan? What if you don't?

[BipolarMama31]

I always follow my plan because i turn myself over to my husband and he does everything for me.
Example: gives me my seroquel, calls providers, takes my keys and money, turns on meditation tape.

I would be lost if i lived alone. I would be interested in how people who live alone stick to their plans?

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[Ellahmae]

I lean heavily on my T, and she is gracious about being there. I also have one friend that I can depend on who is really a lifesaver at times.

Originally Posted by BipolarMama31

I always follow my plan because i turn myself over to my husband and he does everything for me.
Example: gives me my seroquel, calls providers, takes my keys and money, turns on meditation tape.

I would be lost if i lived alone. I would be interested in how people who live alone stick to their plans?

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

[tealBumblebee]

I don't remember it all, but to my knowledge mine was (and maybe still is but I don't need it):

Contacting a friend (who was aware they are part of safety plan) and/or T via personal phone (T first but in case she is in session with another client).
Pray
Distract with a movie I had been planning to see
Sleep
Ativan
(and 3 more things I could not remember)