5 Things You Need to Make a Crisis Plan Today

It’s a great idea to have a plan in place for when you are having a crisis. No two plans are the same and each plan is going to be tailored to the individual who creates it. It’s what they call a “crisis plan,” and it can help pull you out of the crisis instead of wallowing in it.

1. Location.

A crisis can strike at any time, any place, so having a place where you feel the most comfortable can be a great asset. It can help remove you from the situation that may have triggered the crisis and help prevent the crisis from getting worse. It can be anywhere you feel the most comfortable — your house, bedroom, or even a friend’s house or the mall if you don’t want to be alone.

2. Comfort.

What makes you the most comfortable? Is it a favorite piece of clothing? Wrapping up in your favorite blanket? A stuffed animal, or even a pet? These can really help when you are in a crisis.

3. Contacts.

Already having a list of people you can talk to will help you stop being alone during the crisis. These people should be familiar with your experience; it won’t help to spring this on someone new who may not know how to react to the situation. An experienced person can help talk you through the crisis.Your contact list can be made of anyone you choose, and it doesn’t just have to be friends or loved ones. It can be your therapist, psychiatrist or a helpline. Of course, if you are thinking of harming yourself, you should call your local emergency number so they can get you the help you need.

There is no shame in needing help.

4. Hobbies.

Having something to do during a crisis is a great idea. It helps to keep you busy and keep your mind from wandering back into that negative space. It can be anything; it doesn’t even have to be a hobby, just something that keeps you busy — knitting, or something like it, walking, hiking, coloring, even playing with a piece of string or something. Just something to help you focus.

5. Have a notebook.

Having a notebook can also be a great asset during a crisis. It helps to write down your thoughts and feelings to get them out of your head and on paper. You could even share it with your therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist to help them get a better understanding of you and what you are going through when they aren’t there.

This is just a short list to help you get started creating your crisis plan. Create it today so that when the next crisis starts, you will be ready to beat it like the champ you are.