How to Build a Safety Plan that Actually Works
Content Note:
This post discusses suicide, suicide loss, suicidal thoughts, grief, mental health, emotional pain, or crisis support. Please read with care. If this topic feels activating, it is okay to pause, step away, or reach out for support.
If you are in crisis, thinking about suicide, at risk of hurting yourself, or in immediate danger, call 911, call or text 988, or go to your nearest emergency room. This blog is not monitored for crisis support.
A safety plan is a short, practical tool that helps someone stay safe during a crisis. Unlike vague promises, a plan lists concrete steps to follow when suicidal thoughts spike. Make it simple, accessible, and practiced. A safety plan is not a replacement for emergency support, therapy, medical care, or crisis intervention.
A step-by-step safety plan template
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Warning signs: List thoughts, feelings, or situations that signal a crisis is starting.
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Internal coping strategies: Things the person can do alone to ride the wave (breathing, grounding, counting, sensory activities, prayer, scripture, short walks).
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Social supports to distract or connect: Names and methods (text, call, visit) of people they can contact who won’t judge and can help them stay safe.
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Professional contacts & crisis numbers: Therapist, psychiatrist, primary care, and 24/7 lines (988 in the U.S.; local emergency/crisis numbers elsewhere).
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Safe environment steps: Remove or secure means of harm, which includes but is not limited to firearms, medications, sharp objects, and other accessible items.
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Reasons for living / reminders: Photos, notes, Scripture verses, children’s names, pet names, special memories — anything that anchors hope.
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When to seek emergency care: Clear criteria (e.g., having a specific plan, means, or intent) and what to do next.
Tips for making it real
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Write it down and keep a copy where it’s easy to find (phone, fridge, bedside).
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Practice the steps so they feel automatic during a crisis.
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Involve trusted people in the creation. This builds accountability and connection.
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Revisit and update the plan after major life changes or after it’s used.
A faith-filled note
If faith is meaningful, include spiritual anchors: short prayers, a verse to repeat, a trusted faith leader to call, or a church member who can sit with them. Spiritual connection can be a strong protective factor.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 988 (U.S.) or local emergency services right away.
Crisis Support Disclaimer:
This post is shared for awareness, education, encouragement, and stigma reduction. It is not therapy, clinical advice, crisis care, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reading this blog does not create a therapist-client relationship with Barefoot Faith Journey or Circle of Hope Counseling Services.
If you are in crisis, thinking about suicide, at risk of hurting yourself, or in immediate danger, call 911, call or text 988, or go to your nearest emergency room. You are worthy of immediate care and support.
