Reducing Suicide Risk With Safety Plans

When kids in distress express suicidal thoughts or feelings, therapists often work with them —and their parents — to create what is called a safety plan. A safety plan is a document that spells out a series of things the child agrees to do, if they feel overwhelmed, to keep from harming themselves. Parents agree to things they will do to make their child’s environment safer.

September is Suicide Awareness Month, and we’re offering a new piece explaining how safety planning can help deter teen suicides, which are often impulsive, by steering kids away from harming themselves until the urge passes. We’re also rounding up information about signs a child might be suicidal and steps to take if you’re worried that a child might be having suicidal thoughts. With teenage depression and anxiety on the rise, it’s important for all of us to be proactive when children are in distress.