Mental Health Apps: Suicide Safety Plan

Experiencing suicidal ideation can be an overwhelming experience. For those who experience suicidal ideation, particularly if they have a plan, means, and intent to hurt or kill themselves, having a plan in place to keep them safe is absolutely key.

The Suicide Safety Plan app (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/suicide-safety-plan/id1003891579) is helpful because all relevant information is easily accessible to the individual who is suicidal; it can be hard to recall important information, such as who to contact or coping skills, when experiencing suicidal ideation. This app allows you to have easy access to this information in times of need.

In the app, the individual using it can list their warning signs that a crisis may occur, various coping strategies, reasons to live, contact information, places where they can distract themselves from the suicidal ideation, and any other notes that may be helpful. It provides a quick and easy reminder about skills that you know can keep you safe but that you may have trouble accessing when in crisis.

It is recommended that this safety plan be created in collaboration with the individual who is suicidal and their support team (e.g., family, friends, mental health care provider) in order to ensure that everyone who cares for the individual who is suicidal can provide assistance when needed. However, it is necessary that in the creation of this safety plan that the individual who experiences suicidal ideation takes an active role to ensure buy-in and follow through with the plan. A plan should not be created without their input.

Note: This is not a replacement for therapeutic services and/or medication; individuals with suicidal ideation would likely benefit from the aforementioned services in addition to the use of this app.  

Photo by Tatum Bergen on Unsplash

Written by Justina Yohannan, PhD