Triggers & Warning Signs
Example: walking past a bar, driving past the convenience store, seeing past friends
External triggers
What are 3 distraction coping skills
Watching funny YouTube videos, watching TikTok, reading a book, doing a puzzle or crossword, playing a sport, watching a movie
This information should accompany the names of support people whenever possible.
Their phone numbers or contact information
Name 3 ways to help make someone's environment safer
Removal of weapons; change locks on gun safe; medication lock boxes; natural support administering medications; limiting social media; harm reduction strategies
Natural Support: Sandy (my sister), in my phone
Sandy (sister), (555)555-5555
These are internal or external indicators that mental health is deteriorating
warning signs
List 3 connections / social coping skill options
join a club; take a class; volunteer; go to local library; Improv class; community activity; play a pick up game; call a friend/natural support; attend a 12 step group; attend a NAMI support group; Seek Healing's Connections group
Emergency contacts, family members, friends, and spiritual leaders may all be listed in this step.
What are people who can help during a crisis?
What are 3 different types of monitoring?
visual check-ins, constant visual supervision, phone calls with natural supports, phone calls with MCM follow up
Trigger: "not being listened to"
*When I am talking and others talk over me
*When my opinion is ignored
*When people talk about me and my treatment like I am not even in the room.
True/False: this information should only come from the individual.
False - often natural supports have helpful information to share that the individual might not be aware of
List 3 sensory regulating coping skills
ear plugs; weighted vest/blanket; stress ball; fidgets'; temperature (ice cubes or cold water on face); aromatherapy; eating a sour candy or spicy snack; sound machine; binaural beats/sounds; low lighting in room; watching lava lamp or glitter jar; rhythmic movement
What are 3 examples of professional resources that can be listed on the crisis and safety plan?
therapist, provider, primary care, school counselor, teacher, PSS agency, Warm Lines
A supervision plan should specify who will monitor, how they will monitor, and this additional detail.
What is frequency and duration?
Coping Skill: "go for a walk"
*Go walk in the nearby park
*invite a friend for a walk
*take the dog for a walk
*take a 15 minute walk, then reassess. Continue if needed
Examples: emotions like guilt, shame, anger, sadness; memories; boredom or lack of purpose; MH symptoms
Internal triggers
List 3 coping skills to improve executive functioning
task initiation "5 minute rule"; planning/organizing; sleep; nutrition; mindfulness meditation; exercise; hobby; learning a new skill or task
The support people listed should be reliable, accessible, and willing to assist during a crisis. How do we ensure this step?
Involve them in the safety planning.
Call and obtain their consent as a support person
Here is your supervision credit clue
email or text me a random emoji, gif, or pic that makes you smile.
*please be work appropriate*
"Reach out if things get worse"
*If your intent level increases from a 3 to a 5, call ___
*When starting to isolate, call ___ and ask them to come over, or go for a walk, or go do an activity
*If you are starting to feel down or experiencing an increase in XYZ symptoms, call the NC PSS warm line
This information should be included alongside triggers and warning signs because it may impact safety planning.
What are relevant medical concerns and medications?
What is an example of a mindfulness grounding technique? AND why are they helpful?
Brings your focus to hear and now, helps to shift from survival state into a safe and socially engaged state.
5-4-3-2-1 Method (Senses); Mental distraction (categories game - list 5 dog breeds, 6 colors, 3 cars); temperature shift (cold water splash, ice cubes); physical anchoring; touching grass - walking barefoot; meditation; box breathing
Develop a script that someone could use to text a friend for help
Hey there Delilah, I am having a hard time right now - feeling overwhelmed. Can I call you and talk for a bit?
Hey Heather. I have been starting to isolate lately and could use some friend time. Are you free to get a coffee? Or can we meet at the park for basketball?
Name 3 options on our COA for monitoring responsibilities
medication administration/removal; removal/securing access to means; contacting emergency services as needed (MCM, LEO, EMS); phone availability; linkage to follow up appointments; communicating to MCM or provider when/if responsibilities cannot be delivered
Warning signs: "I stop talking"
When feeling overwhelmed, I shut down and stop talking or listening.
When feeling unheard, I start to yell or engage in intentionally annoying behaviors.