For someone who is suicidal or in emotional crisis, creating a safety plan is one of the most effective first steps.
“Safe For Now”
When someone is in crisis, everything can feel urgent, heavy, and impossible all at once.
They may not know what they need.
You may not know what to say.
In moments like this, it’s important to remember something simple:
You don’t have to fix everything.
You just have to help them stay safe for now.
That’s where a suicide safety plan comes in.
A safety plan is one of the most caring and practical tools we have when someone is struggling with suicidal thoughts, self-harm urges, or emotional overwhelm.
It’s a way of saying: “We’re going to get through this moment together.”
What Is a Safety Plan?
A safety plan is a simple, personal guide someone can use when they start to feel unsafe or overwhelmed.
It helps answer the question “what do I do next?”.
It isn’t a promise or a contract - it’s a lifeline.
And it should always be created with the person, not for them.
When Should You Make One?
Safety plans can help anytime someone is experiencing:
Suicidal thoughts
Self-harm urges
Panic or intense anxiety
Hopelessness or emotional shutdown
Feeling completely alone
You don’t have to wait until things get worse.
How to Create a Safety Plan With Someone
You don’t need perfect words - just presence, care, and a willingness to listen.
Make sure this is on paper and kept handy once complete. Hang it on the refrigerator or place on a bathroom mirror, somewhere it can be seen often and is easily accessible.
1. Notice the Warning Signs
Help identify what a crisis feels like before it escalates.
Ask: “What do you notice when things start getting bad?”
Examples: withdrawing, numbness, hopeless thoughts, trouble sleeping.
2. List Coping Steps to Try Alone
Small actions can help someone ride out the wave.
Examples: music, fresh air, grounding exercises, journaling, breathing.
3. Identify Safe People and Places
Connection saves lives.
Ask: “Who helps you feel less alone?” or “Where could you go if being alone feels unsafe?”
4. Add Crisis Support Contacts
Write down support numbers ahead of time, such as:
Concern Hotline 540-667-0145
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
A counselor or doctor
Emergency services - dial 911
The plan remembers when it’s hard to think clearly.
5. Make the Environment Safer
Gently reduce access to anything unsafe.
This may include locking up medications, removing sharp objects, or staying with someone trusted.
6. Write Down One Reason to Stay
Hope doesn’t have to be big - just real.
Ask: “What is one reason to stay, just for today?”
Even something small can matter.
The Goal Is Not Forever - It’s Safe for Now
A safety plan is about getting through the next hour…
the next night…
the next hard moment.
You don’t need perfect answers.
Being present, listening, and helping someone take the next safe step is enough.
And if you’re ever unsure what to do:
Concern Hotline provides 24/7 for confidential support, compassionate listening, and crisis intervention in Frederick County, Virginia and surrounding communities. Call 540-667-0145 to speak to a trained volunteer listener.
It is always okay to call.
Click here to Download a Safety Plan Guide