Safe Plans

January 28, 2008 in Self harm/suicide

Stigma and taboo have surrounded suicide for centuries, but suicidal intentions need to be talked about when creating a safeplan. The aim is to intervene until the immediate danger has passed or until further assistance has been secured. Safeplans need to:

Be specific – make sure the safeplan is clearly understood and where there is genuine agreement from the individual at risk.

Get agreement – It’s unrealistic to expect the individual not to think about suicide, so the aim is persuade them to promise not to act out their suicide plan for a specified time.

Create a safe environment by removing harmful objects – depending on the circumstances, you might agree to remove medicines from the home, or to lock up firearms and so on.

Discourage alcohol and illegal drugs – these act as disinhibitors which increase impulsive acts.