What does a Crisis Plan look like?

A Crisis Plan is something you do when you are well. It is important to include the people who support you in a time of crisis, if possible. This means people like close adult family members, including partners and if possible health professionals and support workers. If you are a parent, make plans for your children’s care with others.

• If you are in crisis, what do you want to happen? Describe it.
• Write down your diagnosis.
• Include your important phone numbers: doctors, services, support professionals.
• Write out your medications, how much you take and what you take it for.
• Do you need an advance statement? This should be included. (An advance statement is a written statement that sets down your preferences, wishes, beliefs and values regarding your future care. The aim is to provide a guide to anyone who might have to make decisions in your best interest if you have lost the capacity to make decisions or to communicate them).
• Write down if you have attempted suicide or self-harmed in the past. Include any information you think would be relevant eg dates, reasons.
• If you have a history of trauma, or experience recent trauma, include that information.
• Is there anything specific that will trigger you? Put it down too.
• How is your physical health? Include any relevant information on your overall health.
• Do you have any allergies?
• It is very important to include information regarding any recreational drug or alcohol use and abuse. Do you have any additions?
• Write out the emergency contact numbers for people who will look after any children or pets or attend to any important personal matters. Who is the person who will liaise with your wider family and friends?