It is possible that you have attempted suicide before or are dealing with suicidal thoughts. You are afraid that you may follow through with those thoughts. With a suicide prevention kit, you will have the tools with you in case you feel like those suicidal thoughts are taking over.
Safety Plan
Having a safety plan can be the most important thing in your kit. This can include a list of numbers to call if you are in a crisis as well as coping strategies that have worked for you in the past. You can make this safety plan yourself so that you know it is personalized for your needs. You can also include in your list how to make your environment safe like getting rid of any sharp objects or anything resembling ropes.
Friends and Family Photos
Sometimes, you need a visual reminder of all of the people who care about you. All humans need connection and these photos can remind you about all of the people who would be hurt by your act of suicide. These can also be pictures of moments you were proud of like when you won an award, had fun traveling, were happy with your friends, etc. These photos will remind you why you should want to live.
Books to Delve Into
Books have a way of mentally transporting you to another world. Keep a few books in your kit to distract you for a little while. Think of your favorite authors of new books they have written or books that have made you smile in the past. It can also be self-help books to turn to when you feel suicidal thoughts coming on.
A Gratitude Journal
When you are feeling unhappy about your life, it may help you to make a gratitude journal of what you are thankful for. It does not always have to be big things, but small things can work as well. You can write down things like “taking a swim” or “my dog.” These things have made you happy before and will continue to make you happy. You can buy gratitude journals that have prompts inside to inspire you or you can make a journal of your own. A suicide prevention kit will remind you how important it is to live. If you or anyone else you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK.
Located in Georgetown, Texas, Alma Loma is a transformative living center to help those struggling in early recovery to transition out of our Psychiatric and Substance Abuse residential center. Alma Loma believes that addiction is born from an untreated mental illness in which our facility is willing to help you. Our facility offers residency, medication management education, individualized treatment, life skills education, 12-Step support, and more tools to bring patients the confidence to be able to live an independent life. For more information, please call us at 866-457-3843.
