How to use a Coping Card to create an action plan

A Coping Card is a practical tool that can help a person make an action plan to be able to cope effectively with an emotional crisis so that they do not engage in suicidal behaviour.

It is especially useful for suicidal crises because people who are suicidal often think there are no other options, and the Coping Card can help remind them of the many steps that can be taken to address how they’re feeling. It can help them cope and be resilient when they experience distress.

It will help to have the person fill out the Coping Card with their mental health treatment team when the individual is not in crisis or is experiencing a time of wellness.

Filling in the Coping Card during this time can help a patient provide detailed answers about their triggers, symptoms, ways to lower distress, a reminder of the meaningful aspects of their life, as well as the trusted family and friends who they can reach out to and contact for support.

The card can be printed or in a digital form so it is easy to carry around and access whenever it is needed. The Coping Card can be downloaded from the Sunnybrook Department of Psychiatry website and is available in 10 languages.

The family or the support network (e.g. friends) of the patient can ask the patient to share their personal Coping Card and learn about their loved one’s strategies for coping. This can help reinforce them during an acute crisis. The patient must provide consent.

Learn how to create your own Coping Card »