Bipolar BD

Bipolar Disorder Crisis Safety Plan Builder

Free Bipolar Disorder Crisis Safety Plan Builder | BipolarBD.com

Bipolar Disorder Crisis Safety Plan Builder

Create your personalized crisis plan to stay safe during episodes

⚠️ IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER – Please Read Carefully

THIS IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE. This tool is for educational and planning purposes only. It does NOT replace professional mental health care, diagnosis, or treatment.

If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health crisis:

  • Call 911 for immediate emergency assistance
  • Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential)
  • Go to your nearest emergency room
  • Contact your psychiatrist or therapist immediately

This crisis safety plan:

  • Is a planning tool, NOT a treatment or cure
  • Does NOT replace professional medical care or therapy
  • Should be created WITH your mental health provider when possible
  • Is most effective when shared with your support network
  • May not prevent all crises or relapses

By using this tool, you understand that BipolarBD.com provides information only and is not responsible for any outcomes. Always consult qualified mental health professionals for diagnosis and treatment.

What Is a Crisis Safety Plan?

A crisis safety plan is a personalized, written plan you create BEFORE a crisis occurs. It helps you and your support system know exactly what to do when you notice early warning signs of a bipolar episode—whether manic, hypomanic, depressive, or mixed.

Why you need one:

  • Episodes cloud judgment – During a manic or depressive episode, thinking clearly is extremely difficult. A pre-made plan removes the need to make decisions in crisis.
  • Early intervention works – Catching episodes early (in the warning signs phase) can prevent full-blown crisis and hospitalization.
  • Empowers your support network – Family and friends know how to help you instead of guessing.
  • Reduces hospitalizations – Research shows safety plans reduce suicide risk and emergency interventions.
  • Recommended by professionals – Psychiatrists and therapists encourage all bipolar patients to have written crisis plans.

This is NOT:

  • ❌ A substitute for professional treatment
  • ❌ Medical advice or diagnosis
  • ❌ A guarantee against relapse
  • ❌ A replacement for therapy or medication

Learn more about bipolar disorder:

Step 1: Early Warning Signs

Identify the thoughts, feelings, behaviors, or situations that signal an episode might be starting

Common manic warning signs:

Decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, excessive energy, impulsive spending, irritability, grandiose ideas, risky behavior, rapid speech

Common depressive warning signs:

Oversleeping or insomnia, loss of interest in activities, social withdrawal, difficulty concentrating, hopelessness, neglecting hygiene, fatigue

Learn more: Complete Guide to Bipolar Symptoms

Step 2: Internal Coping Strategies

Things you can do on your own to manage symptoms without contacting others

Effective coping strategies:

Deep breathing, meditation, walking, yoga, journaling, listening to music, taking a shower, coloring/art, watching calming videos, progressive muscle relaxation

Step 3: Social Distractions & Support

People you can contact for distraction (not necessarily to talk about the crisis)

Choose people who:

Are generally available, won’t judge you, can provide distraction or support, understand your condition (if you’ve told them)

Step 4: Professional & Emergency Contacts

Mental health professionals and crisis resources

Find treatment: Treatment Centers Near You

Step 5: Medication & Treatment Information

Current medications and treatment plan

Learn more: Bipolar Medications Guide

Step 6: Triggers to Avoid

Situations, substances, or behaviors that can trigger episodes

Common bipolar triggers:

Sleep disruption, alcohol/drugs, stress, stopping medications, seasonal changes, relationship conflict, financial stress, overwork

Understanding triggers: What Triggers Bipolar Episodes?

Step 7: Reasons for Living

What makes life worth living? What are you living for?

🆘 Crisis Resources (Always Available)

If you are in immediate danger or having thoughts of suicide:

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (24/7, free, confidential)
  • Crisis Text Line: Text “HELLO” to 741741
  • Emergency: Call 911 or go to nearest ER
  • SAMHSA Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 (treatment referrals, 24/7)

Your Bipolar Disorder Crisis Safety Plan

🆘 24/7 Crisis Resources

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call/text 988
  • Crisis Text Line: Text “HELLO” to 741741
  • Emergency: Call 911

How to Use Your Crisis Safety Plan

Share It With Your Support Network

Your crisis plan is most effective when others know about it:

  • Give copies to: Family members, close friends, roommates, your therapist/psychiatrist
  • Explain it in advance: When you’re feeling well, walk through the plan with your support people so they know what to do
  • Keep it accessible: Put copies on your fridge, in your wallet, in your phone (take a photo), and at work

Review and Update Regularly

Your crisis plan should evolve as you learn more about your bipolar disorder:

  • Every 3-6 months: Review and update with new warning signs, coping strategies, or contacts
  • After each episode: Add what worked and remove what didn’t
  • When medications change: Update your medication list immediately
  • Life changes: New address, phone numbers, support people, psychiatrist, etc.

Practice Using It

Don’t wait for a crisis to use your plan:

  • When you notice mild warning signs: Try your coping strategies even if you don’t feel “bad enough” yet
  • Regular check-ins: Review your warning signs weekly and notice if any are present
  • Test your contacts: Make sure phone numbers still work and people are still available

When to Activate Your Plan

Use your crisis plan when you notice:

  • Multiple warning signs appearing (2-3+ from your list)
  • Symptoms lasting more than a few days
  • Difficulty functioning at work, school, or home
  • Others expressing concern about your behavior or mood
  • Any thoughts of self-harm or suicide

Remember: It’s better to activate your plan too early than too late. Early intervention can prevent full-blown episodes.

Additional Resources for Bipolar Disorder

Understanding Your Condition

Treatment & Management

Episodes & Triggers

Support & Community

Professional Organizations