September is recognized as the Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. I have been sitting on this blog post for quite some time now… but today I want to share some insights into suicidal behavior and safety planning.

This post has been incubating ever since I heard Rory O’Connor speak about the integrated motivational–volitional model of suicidal behavior (see link) back in March.

But before we venture further, keep in mind that if suicidal thoughts manifest themselves, do not hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional!

In emergencies, call the number 112!

The number works everywhere in the world!

More information about where to reach out is located at the end of this post.

Breaking the silence

One common misconception about suicide is that discussing it increases the likelihood of it occurring. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

One of the best preventative measures for suicide is actually talking about it openly and honestly, with empathy, compassion, and curiosity for the person. Show that you care.

We do not increase the probability of suicide by talking about it; not at all. It is very important to keep this in mind. In fact, the World Health Organization (2024) states:

Talking openly about suicide can give a person other options or the time to rethink his/her decision, thereby preventing suicide.

The 4 C’s of Suicide Prevention

Rory O’Connor introduced the concept of the 4 C’s of suicide prevention to me earlier this year.

The 4 C’s of suicide prevention include compassion, which is this feeling you get when confronted with another’s suffering and feel the urge or motivation to relieve it.

Connection with others is another component. Humans are social animals and we thrive when we are surrounded by people who care about us.

Care is another important aspect. Show interest in the being of another human. Show that you care.

Complexity is significant because people are complex, and we want to take that into consideration. Everyone is unique in their own way. No single situation is identical and no two people are 100% alike. Not even identical twins!

Keep in mind that people don’t contemplate ending their lives whimsically. They often feel like that’s their only solution. As heartbreaking as that may sound, it all too often feels that way for people at risk of taking their lives.

This is why we must show care. Show compassion. Show people we care about that we want to connect with them and that we respect the complexity of their idiosyncratic situation.

People matter. Living, breathing beings matter. Humans matter. Show that you care. Engage with compassion. Strive to connect and understand the complexity of human nature.

Again: If suicidal thoughts manifest themselves, do not hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional!

In emergencies, call the number 112!

The number works everywhere in the world!

The Stanley-Brown Safety Plan for Suicide Prevention

The Stanley-Brown Safety Plan is a crucial tool in the mental health community for managing and preventing suicide crises. Designed to help individuals recognize their personal warning signs and take preventive actions, it is a collaborative effort between the mental health professional and the client.

The Structure and Importance of the Stanley-Brown Safety Plan

The Stanley-Brown Safety Plan is structured to provide a clear and actionable strategy for individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts. It includes identifying warning signs, internal coping strategies, social contacts for distraction and support, and professional agencies to contact in a crisis.

The Stanley-Brown Safety Plan is designed to be straightforward and accessible, ensuring that individuals can refer to it during moments of distress.

The primary importance of the plan lies in its ability to empower individuals to take control of their safety and reduce the risk of suicide by providing them with immediate steps to follow.

All rights and copyrights reside with Stanley and Brown: The form is freely accessible here.

Understanding the Suicide Risk Curve

The suicide risk curve is an essential concept for comprehending how an individual’s risk for suicide fluctuates over time. Typically, the risk increases and then decreases over a short period. Understanding this curve helps in identifying the critical moments when interventions are most needed.

The goal of the Stanley-Brown Safety Plan is to make individuals more aware of their personal warning signs as their risk level changes. By recognizing these signs early, clients can take preventive actions before their suicidal feelings escalate to dangerous levels. This proactive approach is vital for effective suicide prevention.

All rights and copyrights reside with Stanley and Brown: The suicide risk curve infographic is freely accessible here.

Why Is It Important to Understand the Suicide Risk Curve?

- People at risk for suicide are likely to experience changes in their level of risk over time; acute suicide risk usually increases and then decreases over a short period of time.

- The goal of safety planning is for people to become more aware of their personal warning signs that a suicidal crisis is beginning or escalating so that they can take action before they are in danger of acting on their suicidal feelings.

The Role of Therapeutic Alliances

Building a strong therapeutic alliance is key to the successful implementation of the Stanley-Brown Safety Plan. This involves trust, validation, and authentic communication between the clinician and the client.

Empathy, congruence, and unconditional positive regard are crucial in establishing the therapeutic alliance.

The clinician must be present, accurately reflect the client’s feelings, articulate unspoken emotions, and genuinely validate the client’s experiences.

Fostering a strong therapeutic alliance not only helps in creating an effective safety plan but also provides the client with the hope and support needed to navigate their crisis.

Key Takeaway Message

The Stanley-Brown Safety Plan is an invaluable tool for suicide prevention, providing individuals with a structured approach to managing their crises.

Understanding the suicide risk curve and building a robust therapeutic alliance are critical components in the successful implementation of this plan.

By empowering individuals with the knowledge and resources to recognize and respond to their warning signs, we can significantly reduce the risk of suicide and promote mental well-being.