Means Safety
Means safety for suicide prevention is about limiting a person’s access to means by which they may cause themselves harm. Strategies to promote safety in times of crisis or in anticipation of crisis include placing yourself or a person in a safer environment, putting a barrier between the person and the means, or increasing the amount of time it takes for yourself or a person to access the means. For example, by securely storing guns or prescription drugs which gives time for intervention or for the crisis to pass.
- Review Interactive Means Safety Checklist
- Take a Screenshot of the Means Safety Checklist Graphic
- Download Means Safety Checklist
Visit these pages for an overview of means safety strategies you can implement in your home and other settings.
Offer Hope and Reminders of
Reasons for Living
Worrying about a loved one, friend, colleague or customer who is experiencing thoughts of suicide can fell overwhelming. A good starting point is to offer hope and reminders of reasons for living.
- Consider placing items such as photos, letters from loved ones and other items that offer hope in gun safes, lockboxes or places where you store medications as a reminder of reasons for living.
- Create a virtual hope box with life-affirming reminders (photos, videos, favorite music, messages from loved ones, etc.), crisis resources, coping and relaxation techniques and a list of contacts who have agreed to be available for a phone call in a time of crisis.
