Emergency Plan

One mental health survival strategy I learned was to always have an emergency plan, in case things got difficult. It helped me answer questions ahead of time and know where to turn before panic hit.

Making those decisions and seeking answers when you are in fight or flight mode is very difficult.

So my counselor walked me through making an Emergency Plan.

Mine included:

• 3 Phone Numbers of People I trusted
• A place to stay if I didn't feel safe
• The names/dosage of medication that was useful in the past for maintaining balance
• The number of a psychologist I had seen before or was recommended
• The number of a psychiatrist I had seen before or was recommended
• My medical insurance information
• A list of coping methods
• A list of signs, symptoms, triggers that I was feeling panicky

I think this was is. A lot of that has been substituted with making sure I have a support system of 2-3 friends I can turn to in a time of need. 

That can be a really hard thing to establish. Especially when it's not built into your family structure. My family often mucked this stuff up - poisoning the relationships with the people I did trust. 

I still go back to this system though, even as my life changes. 

I know how valuable it is to know, where will I go next if my home doesn't feel safe, who I turn to, who I avoid, and what can help me feel better. 

The list of coping methods has helped me through holidays, highs, and lows. 

I think having something like this can be a life-saver and help avoid making risky or dangerous decisions when fear is driving you.