• The survivor may be angry, embarrassed, or ashamed and extremely fatigued.
• The reactions of others can feel overwhelming and asking for help can be difficult.
• Follow-up care is key to recovery.
• Create a safety plan (see below).
• Learn to live again; get back into a routine.
• Remove the means of hurting oneself.
• Participate with a mutual peer-support group; remember when you help yourself...you also help others.
• Learn about crisis hotlines.
• Everyone's recovery is different.
• Recovery is possible

Safety Plan

Be honest with yourself; everyone's safety plan is different.
Your plan may include the following:

• Signs that may indicate a return of suicidal thoughts or feelings.
• When to seek additional treatment.
• Contact information for your doctor, therapist, and loved ones.
• Keep a written copy of your safety plan nearby, as well as with your doctor and loved ones.
• Make a list of possible triggers.
• Build a support system, including at least one ally (a person in your life who you trust, can be honest with, and with whom you can share openly). This could be a member of the clergy, a mentor or a colleague.
• Create a routine schedule.