Suicide is a leading cause of death among young people, making it a critical public health issue. Addressing this crisis requires effective, evidence-based strategies. September is suicide prevention awareness month and one strategy that supports youth and that is easy to implement ... is suicide safety planning1.
Why Suicide Safety Planning?
Suicide safety planning involves creating a personalized, practical plan that helps individuals recognize warning signs, employ coping strategies, and access support during a crisis. This approach is grounded in research and clinical evidence, ensuring that the methods used are effective and reliable.
The Importance of Evidence-Based Approaches
Reliability and Effectiveness: Evidence-based practices are developed through rigorous research and have been proven to work. This reliability is crucial when dealing with something as serious as suicide prevention. Programs like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Suicide Prevention (CBT-SP) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) are examples of evidence-based interventions that have shown positive outcomes in reducing suicidal thoughts and behaviors2.
Tailored Interventions: Evidence-based safety planning is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It takes into account the unique needs and circumstances of each individual. This personalization increases the likelihood of the plan being effective, as it is tailored to the specific triggers, warning signs, and coping mechanisms of the youth involved3.
Comprehensive Support: These plans often include a range of strategies, from identifying personal warning signs to listing emergency contacts and professional resources. This comprehensive approach ensures that youth have multiple tools and resources at their disposal, enhancing their ability to manage crises effectively4.
Why Youth Need Evidence-Based Safety Planning
High Vulnerability: Adolescence is a period of significant emotional and psychological development. Young people are particularly vulnerable to mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, which are major risk factors for suicide. Evidence-based safety planning provides them with structured support to navigate these challenges5.
Empowerment and Skill-Building: Safety planning empowers youth by involving them in the creation of their own safety plans. This process helps them develop critical coping skills and resilience, which are essential for managing stress and emotional distress6.
Early Intervention: Implementing evidence-based safety plans at an early stage can prevent the escalation of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Early intervention is key to reducing the risk of suicide and promoting long-term mental health.
The Role of Caregivers and Professionals
Training and Education: For evidence-based safety planning to be effective, caregivers and professionals must be adequately trained. This includes understanding the principles of evidence-based practices, recognizing warning signs, and knowing how to support youth in creating and following their safety plans.
Collaboration and Communication: Effective safety planning requires collaboration between the youth, their families, and mental health professionals. Open communication ensures that everyone involved is aware of the plan and knows how to support the youth during a crisis.
Continuous Evaluation: Safety plans should be regularly reviewed and updated to reflect any changes in the youth’s circumstances or mental health status. Continuous evaluation ensures that the plan remains relevant and effective over time.
Sharpen's Digital Suicide Safety Planning
Sharpen's evidence-based digital suicide safety plan is being implemented as a best practice for youth because it is grounded in reliable research, tailored to individual needs, and provides comprehensive support. By empowering young people with peer-focused, research-backed tools, we assist them in managing difficult emotions and improving protection.
Learn more about our research at www.SharpenMinds.com/research.
References
Stanley, B., Brown, G. K., Brenner, L. A., Galfalvy, H. C., Currier, G. W., Knox, K. L., Chaudhury, S. R., Bush, A. L., & Green, K. L. (2018). Comparison of the Safety Planning Intervention With Follow-up vs Usual Care of Suicidal Patients Treated in the Emergency Department. JAMA psychiatry, 75(9), 894–900. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2018.1776
Suicide Prevention Resource Center. (n.d.). Keys to success: Evidence-based prevention. Retrieved from https://sprc.org/keys-to-success/evidence-based-prevention/
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. (n.d.). Preventing youth suicide. Retrieved from https://afsp.org/story/preventing-youth-suicide
JED Foundation. (n.d.). Building hope: 9 essential steps to reducing youth suicide. Retrieved from https://jedfoundation.org/building-hope-9-essential-steps-to-reducing-youth-suicide/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Suicide prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/prevention/index.html
Springer. (n.d.). Chapter 20: Evidence-based practices in suicide prevention. In Handbook of Youth Suicide Prevention. Retrieved from https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-82465-5_20
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