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.
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