A Practical Guide for Reducing Risk After a Mental Health Crisis
If your child has expressed suicidal thoughts or recently experienced a crisis, increasing safety at home is one of the most important and protective steps you can take.
Use this Home Safety Audit Guide to help you think through any items in your home that could be used for harm. Work with your child’s mental health provider to identify other considerations that are unique to your situation. Removing access to items like these can significantly reduce ideation and impulsivity.
This is not about fear. This is about creating space for stabilization and healing.
Download our guide for creating a home safety audit here
Medication Safety
Many suicide attempts involve medicines that were already in the home.
- Store all prescription medications in a locked container
- Store over-the-counter medication (Tylenol, ibuprofen, cold medicine, etc.) in a locked space
- Keep medications in original containers
- Monitor quantities regularly
- Do not leave pill organizers accessible
- Properly dispose of unused or expired medications
Sharp Objects
You may not need to remove every item permanently, but during high risk periods, increased protection matters.
- Secure kitchen knives
- Secure razor blades and box cutters
- Secure sharp or dangerous tools
- Monitor access to pencil sharpeners or small blades
Firearms (If Applicable)
- Remove firearms from the home temporarily OR
- Store firearms unloaded in a locked safe
- Store ammunition locked and separate from firearms
- Ensure only responsible adults have access
If removal is possible, that is the safest temporary option during crisis stabilization.
Alcohol and Substances
Substances can lower inhibition and increase impulsivity.
- Lock or remove alcohol
- Secure cannabis products
- Monitor any medications that can be misused
- Talk openly about substance use risks
Environmental Safety
- Assess access to rooftops or high balconies
- Monitor access to car keys if impulsivity is a concern
- Consider window locks if appropriate
This does not mean making your home feel like a hospital. The goal is to temporarily reducing easy access to high-risk means.
Supervision & Monitoring
You are not spying, you are stabilizing. As your child improves you can gradually adjust.
- Increase supervision during high-risk periods
- Avoid long periods of isolation
- Keep bedroom doors open when appropriate
- Establish regular emotional check-ins
- Monitor significant mood changes
Digital Safety
Digital and online environments can amplify emotional distress. Consider temporarily taking a break.
- Be aware of social media activity
- Monitor exposure to harmful online content
- Address cyberbullying concerns
- Keep communication open about online stressors
- Consider taking a break from online content and social media if stability is an ongoing concern
Create a Family Safety Plan
Work with your child to create a Family Safety Plan to identify warning signs and ways to support your child. Consult with their mental health provider to identify situations that are unique to your child.
A family safety plan typically includes the following information:
- List of warning signs that your child is feeling overwhelmed
- List of coping strategies
- List of safe people to contact for help
- Include your child’s mental health provider’s contact information
- Include crisis numbers such as 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
For more information see our guide on How to Create a Family Safety Plan, and consider speaking to your child’s mental health professional.
Just for Parents
- Remind yourself this is temporary
- Remember: safety steps are not accusations
- Seek support for yourself, through a trusted friend or a professional
You are not overreacting. You are creating a safer environment during a vulnerable time.
You are not alone. Consider joining one of our virtual Parent Support Circles where you’ll find other parents and caregivers going through the same situation. It’s a place where you can get the support you need while maintaining privacy for both you and your child.
Need more support?
Download our guide to creating a home safety audit here
Learn more about how to support your child after a crisis: The First 30 Days After a Mental Health Crisis
Find out all about Treatment Options for Teens and Children
If this article helped you, consider supporting Brighter Path Family Network. As a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit your donation is tax deductible and allows us to continue providing help to families navigating mental health challenges with their child.
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This article is provided for information purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice.