Suicide Prevention Safety

Signs someone might be at risk for suicide

It can be hard to know if someone might try to harm themselves. These signs may include the following behaviors:

• Loss of interest in hobbies, work, or school

• Cutting off friends and family

• Feeling hopeless or that there’s not much reason to live

• Being sad or depressed most of the time

• Mood swings

• Trouble sleeping

• Feeling anxious, angry, guilty, or ashamed much of the time

• Using alcohol or drugs excessively

• Violent outbursts, such as breaking objects or getting into fights

• Decline in personal hygiene or appearance

• Giving away meaningful personal items

• Writing a will or tying up loose ends

If someone shows these signs, they should consider having a safety plan.

What is a safety plan?

A safety plan is a guide to help someone stay safe when they’re thinking of suicide. It helps them remember what to do and who to contact during a crisis. A health care provider or loved one can help them write the plan.

When should someone make a safety plan?

A person should draft a safety plan when they are not in an emergency or crisis. It’s OK if they don’t finish it all at once. They can change and edit the plan over time as needed. They can use a sample template as a guide for the plan.

What's in a safety plan?

The plan should include the following:

• A list of warning signs that someone may be suicidal

• Actions to help them cope (for example, calling supportive people, doing mindfulness exercises, or engaging in a physical activity)

• Names and contact information of people who can help (such as family, friends, agencies, mental health professionals)

• Ways to make their home safe

• Reasons for wanting to live

Making home safe

If you think someone might harm themselves, make sure they can't reach things that could hurt them. This could be things like guns, drugs, or ropes.

A crisis can happen suddenly. Taking away an object or making it harder to reach can make all the difference in keeping someone safe.

Securing lethal means

• Gun storage. Unload all guns. Store them in a safe, locked place. Keep bullets in a different secure place. You can use a cable lock, lockbox, gun case, or a gun safe to store these items. Use a biometric safe that needs a code, fingerprint, or other physical characteristic for identification. Consider storing guns off-site with a loved one or at a gun shop.

• Medicine storage. Lock strong medicines like sedatives, stimulants, and opioids in a medicine lockbox. These boxes need a key or a code and can be found at any pharmacy. A family member or friend can help manage the dosage. Also consider portioning pills out for the week, then locking up the rest. A healthcare provider or pharmacist can offer tips on safe storage and disposal of medicines. They can also limit the number of refills someone receives to help keep them safe.

Other resources

There are many other sources of support and guidance available:

• Some workplaces offer employee assistance programs that can help with mental health issues. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has resources on suicide related to certain jobs.

• The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has a directory of support groups.

• The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers resources for Veterans.

When to reach out for crisis help

If someone is threatening suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255) right away. An online chat choice is also available. This service is free and available 24/7/365. Never leave the person threatening suicide alone. Anyone who is at immediate risk of suicide needs care right away and must be constantly watched.

Thoughts of suicide can be frightening, but remember help is available. Take steps to stay safe while the process of healing unfolds.