I guess I would write out things that I knew were triggers for me , and write that you try to be aware of them at all times.

and name people you know who can be there to support you if you need it

I'd do a search on these plans like "sample safety plan" and "sample crisis plan". That way you should get useable samples to base your own on. It can be very difficult to know what these things are!

This plan is "about" you and "for" you. It is an outline of what you will do for safety (prevention) and crisis (safety net). Make a plan.....what tools, coping skills will you use to prevent heading toward crisis. What things trigger you that you will avoid and how do you plan to avoid them? What support do you plan to use to help you with this? Who can you call and depend on when you need someone to walk you through something? What is your "tree" of action? If you encounter a trigger, how will you handle it, who will you call that will understand?

Crisis is geared more toward having "hit the wall" and missed the opportunity to use the prior coping skills and support. If you feel in crisis, what will you do? It is about being aware...........not giving in to your dangerous thoughts. Have a "buddy" that you know you can call no matter what. Someone that will check on you and support you, spend time with you.

This is not so much different than and addict or alcoholic who needs a sponsor or support system to help them through difficult times. It is about moving beyond yourself and learning to recognize behaviors that are "red flags". Who will you call? Who can you trust to talk you through it? We don't have to let our emotion and triggers control the direction we go. If you feel your emotions moving toward something you already know is dangerous, make the call, take the action. Don't make excuses, take control.

It is the preventative action and thought that is what saves us. It is what makes having a safety and crisis plan crucial. Just keep asking yourself "what actions will best serve you to avoid or manage the symptoms of your disorder"?

Fear isn't an option, only confidence that with this plan and the support of others, you will succeed in managing your disorder. xo

Google Wellness Recovery Action Planning.

All excellent advice, BP, somewhere in there I'm most certain there will be a blurb about a personal assist alarm or alert bracelet or pendant. Grab ahold of that and get in the habit of having it on your person at all times...especially the bath or shower...they must have a water proof one by now.

Wishing you all the best in living an enjoyable and more independent lifestyle. I like what you've said in your profile...words to live by. oxo