Creating a Suicide Safety Plan: How to Stay Safe During a Mental Health Crisis

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, certified peer specialist Marie shares her personal recovery journey and explains how suicide safety plans can be lifesaving tools during mental health crises. A safety plan is more than a checklist — it’s a personalized roadmap that includes coping strategies, supportive contacts, crisis resources, and reminders of reasons to live.

Listeners will learn how to build a plan proactively while in a stable mindset, how to recognize early warning signs, and how to use simple yet effective tools — from smartphone reminders to keeping a box of meaningful items — to stay grounded during dark times.

The episode emphasizes that a suicidal crisis often passes faster than it feels and that a safety plan can provide the structure and support needed to survive the hardest moments.

WRAP Information: https://mentalhealthrecovery.com/

WRAP PDF Worksheet: https://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/docs/WRAP.pdf

Primary Topics Covered:

• The purpose of a suicide safety plan and how it differs from general coping strategies
• Why it’s critical to build a plan during times of stability, not crisis
• Identifying personal triggers, warning signs, and early symptoms of crisis
• Practical coping strategies (indoor, outdoor, digital, and social supports)
• The importance of accessibility — keeping your plan in multiple formats and locations
• How to involve trusted friends, family, or peers in supporting your safety plan
• Tools to limit access to lethal means during periods of crisis
• Building reminders of reasons to live (letters, photos, ticket stubs, meaningful keepsakes)
• How safety plans support long-term recovery and resilience

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and context of today’s episode
 00:55 - Why a suicide safety plan is a “gift to yourself”
 02:52 - Marie shares her recovery journey and turning points
 04:10 - Using a wellness recovery action plan (WRAP)
 05:10 - Why plans should be made when you’re well, not in crisis
 06:57 - Keeping safety plans accessible across different formats
 07:49 - Recognizing early warning signs of crisis
 09:23 - Indoor and outdoor coping strategies that work
 10:58 - The role of distractions in reducing suicidal intensity
 12:04 - Building a list of supportive people and safe places
 12:53 - Crisis lines, therapists, and customizing your safety plan
 13:59 - Limiting access to means of self-harm
 14:54 - Anchoring yourself with reminders of reasons to live
 16:39 - Sharing your safety plan with trusted supporters
 17:20 - Closing reflections on recovery, safety, and hope

Explore mental health and addiction treatment options at recovery.com
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