Stop Drop and Roll
When you’re suicidal or feel like you’re emotionally “on fire,” Stop Drop and Roll is our go-to skill for getting through the crisis.
Stories
There are times when your emotions are at such a high level of intensity, that it feels like you’re on fire.
When people are upset, it's really hard to see anything. Looking into someone's eyes can create relief.
When I use the Stop Drop and Roll, it's when I get to this place of emotional intensity, where I don't even feel stressed...where I literally don't care about me, about other people. It's like I have blinders on.
I got to this place of like, I don't care. I'm so exhausted, I'm so done. I don't care. I was having a lot of suicidal thoughts and urges.
Community Tips
Why Use this Skill
Many people who have attempted suicide describe their attempts as happening during times of intense emotional pain, agitation, numbness, and loneliness. There are actually specific coping skills designed to help with those exact experiences!
When someone feels “on fire” during a crisis, it can feel impossible to think. People often say they wish someone would just tell them what to do so that they don’t have to think or figure it out. Stop Drop and Roll is the answer to that request, and includes the skills that can help people when they’re feeling suicidal or totally overwhelmed.
When to Use This Skill
Use Stop Drop and Roll when:
- You want to kill yourself and are afraid you’re going to hurt yourself.
- You feel totally overwhelmed and “on fire” emotionally or physically.
- You’re having super strong cravings to use drugs, drink, binge, or act in self-destructive ways.
Video
LilyHow to Use This Skill
-
- Just freeze.
- Change rooms. Sit on your hands. Physically step away from things you’d use to hurt yourself. Do whatever you need to do to stop yourself from acting impulsively.
- Say “I’m on fire. No major decisions allowed. Just stop, drop, and roll.”
-
- Drop your temperature by using cold water—stick your face in a bowl of ice water, drink cold water, or take a cold shower.
- Drop down to sleep, if you can. Get in bed, wrap yourself in blankets, and take a nap. You can figure it out when you wake up. Don’t overdose.
-
- Roll towards eye contact, if it’s comfortable. Find a friend or loved one to talk to in person or on FaceTime. Look them in the eye. Ask them to help you get out of your head.
- Roll towards social support. Find a friend or loved one. Ask them to help you get out of your head. Do a an activity together, or just ask them to be around while you each do your own thing.
If no one’s available, use this video for eye contact. Or, call a support line. You are not alone.
Video Guide
UrsulaResources
Stop, Drop, and Roll with Now Matters Now
A series of videos from Now Matters Now on how to use Stop, Drop, and Roll
Video of Eye Contact from Now Matters Now
If you have no one to make eye contact with you can use this video
Conceptual Model of and Intervention Development for Unplanned Suicide Attempts
Research paper on the development of Stop, Drop, Roll and quotes for attempt survivors
Microsite
Visit our micro‑site for young adults.
How to “STOP” Impulsive Behaviors
Article about how to stop impulsive behaviors, by Dr. Kiki Fehling for Psychology Today