The Narrative

If you go to your local firearm retailer and see their selection, many of the firearms you will see have a safety mechanism on the the stock or grip (usually near the trigger). This device is appropriately called the safety, and is usually a primary member of a firearms integrated safety systems. There are a plethora of different types of safeties for different makes and models and some are without, but the overlying function is to prohibit the unwanted discharge of a weapon by way of restricting the firing assembly. This can be an effective means of maintaining precaution when operating and handing a firearm, however, it should not be exclusively depended upon.

When handling a situation involving ones risk of suicide, a well thought out collaborative safety plan is of the upmost importance. This may involve detailed means of healthily coping, outreach to professional and personal contacts, and voluntary and temporary boundaries on lethal means access. A safety plan is much like the safety mechanism on a firearm, a designated system which preserves ones wellbeing and security, and like its parallel, can only do so much on its own.

Amid all of the vital aspects of a collaborative safety plan, none are truly effective if not incorporated by way of consistent reaching out, keeping others involved and ensuring one is sticking to the agreed upon components of the safety plan. This is a commitment on both parties, supporter and supported alike, and can particularly be a struggle for the supporter to balance the level of accountability and trust both necessary.

The Literature

In the study of counseling psychology, the use of Motivational Interviewing is a means of challenging and entering dialogues centered in collaboration and uplifting change. As the therapist or clinician works alongside the client, reflective listening, affirmation, and open ended questions are used to allow for the client to be heard and empowered.

The use of these therapeutic approaches when supporting one to adhere to the agreed upon steps of a collaborative safety plan is important in ensuring that necessary feedback is given while trust is maintained. Motivational interviewing allows the integrity of a safety plan to sustain whilst maintaining supportiveness and empathy. Like a firearm safety, it is only effective if regularly engaged with, reflecting an ongoing commitment to one’s own safety and support system.

The Culmination

A safety measure is only as effective as it is applied. Just as we cannot solely rely on a firearm’s safety in its handling and operating, we cannot solely rely on a collaborative safety plan if it is not paired with a support system that holds its integrity, ensuring that agreed steps are being taken and needs are being communicated. A level of accountability is necessary for any plans fluency, brought on by consistent revision and discourse. However, this cannot happen if discourse leads to malice and aims at support lead to distrust.

Using approaches such as motivational interviewing, a collaborative safety plan can empower both supporter and supported, standing on a foundation of trust as well as accountability. Motivational interviewing doesn’t try to pull people out of their darkness but meets them in it, not assuming what is best but seeking to understand.

If you or someone you know is feeling suicidal, call or text 988. The National Suicide Hotline is staffed around the clock with certified members of the American Association of Suicidology. Or the Crisis Text Line, text CO to 741741 from anywhere in the United States, anytime. A live, trained Crisis Counselor receives the text and responds, all from a secure online platform.