In Class

Hi,

Your Beyond Now safety plan is attached below. If you start to experience your warning signs, work through the steps until you feel safe.

Step 1: My warning signs

Warning signs are changes that let you know you're heading into a crisis. Knowing your warning signs can help you act early. What are your warning signs?

My warning signs are...

  • emotional distress

  • auditory hallucinations

  • self-hatred

  • relationship instability

Step 2: Make my space safe

It's important to make your space as safe as you can. Get rid of stuff that could be used to end your life.

Things I can do...

  • Lock up or get rid of anything I could use to harm myself

  • Give my medication to someone else to look after

  • Limit acess to alcohol and substances

  • Address past eating disorder behaviors

Step 3: My reasons to live

When you're feeling suicidal, it's easy to forget about the good things in life. Thinking about these things can help you manage until the feelings pass. Write down things that make you want to live - big or small!

My reasons to live are...

  • Her daughter

  • The possibility of finding effective support

Step 4: Things I can do by myself

Doing things to distract yourself from suicidal thoughts can help keep you safe. List some of the things you like doing by yourself.

Things I can do...

  • Engage in activities that provide a sense of relief or distraction

  • Intense physical activity

  • Creative expression such as writing or drawing

  • Mindfulness or grounding techniques

  • Develop healthy ways to manage stress and emotional pain

  • Relaxation techniques

  • Seek professional guidance for managing voices

  • Explore alternatives to substance use

  • Listen to music

  • Take a shower or bath

  • Walk outside

Step 5: People and places I can connect with

Just being around other people can make you feel better. Make a list of people you could spend time with or places you can go to be around other people.

My people and places...

  • Connect with mental health professionals

  • Explore supportive groups or communities

  • Rebuild relationships with family

  • Identifyt safe and neutral public spaces

Step 6: People I can talk or yarn to

People you trust can help you stay safe and feel better. List the people you can talk or yarn to when you feel suicidal.

People I can talk to...

Dr Betty

Step 7: Professional support

My contacts...


Discuss the Trauma Informed Care Principles

Here’s a structured discussion of Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) principles, with practical examples and nursing context so it’s easy to apply in your practice or study:

🌿 Trauma-Informed Care Principles

1. Safety

  • Meaning: A person must feel both physically and emotionally safe in the care environment.

  • Application:

    • Ensure the space is welcoming, non-threatening, and culturally sensitive.

    • Greet patients warmly, explain procedures clearly, and reduce environmental stressors (e.g., noise, overcrowding).

    • Example: A clinic waiting area decorated with Aboriginal artwork and providing culturally safe signage.

2. Trust

  • Meaning: Trust is built when services are reliable, transparent, and sensitive to needs.

  • Application:

    • Follow through on promises, maintain confidentiality, and use clear, honest communication.

    • Be consistent in staff behaviour and routines.

    • Example: A nurse explaining medication effects honestly, even when side effects may be uncomfortable.

3. Choice

  • Meaning: People should have opportunities to make informed decisions about their care.

  • Application:

    • Offer treatment options, ask for preferences, and allow refusal when safe.

    • Respect personal and cultural choices.

    • Example: Giving a patient the option of oral vs IV medication when clinically appropriate.

4. Collaboration

  • Meaning: Care should be done with, not done to.

  • Application:

    • Involve patients, families, and communities in care planning.

    • Encourage shared decision-making.

    • Example: Working with Aboriginal health workers or Elders to co-design a treatment plan.

5. Empowerment

  • Meaning: Focus on strengths rather than deficits, encouraging autonomy and self-determination.

  • Application:

    • Highlight resilience and past successes.

    • Support skill-building and independence.

    • Example: Teaching a patient self-management strategies for diabetes rather than only emphasising risks.

6. Respect for Diversity

  • Meaning: Services must respect cultural, spiritual, gender, sexual orientation, and ability diversity.

  • Application:

    • Use culturally safe language, avoid assumptions, and acknowledge identity.

    • Provide interpreters and inclusive resources.

    • Example: Respecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kinship systems and holistic views of health.

✅ In summary:
Trauma-Informed Care recognises the impact of trauma on health and emphasises healing, dignity, and cultural respect. When we embed these principles, we move from “What’s wrong with you?” ➝ to “What happened to you?” and “How can we support your healing?”