What to do in a Crisis

A mental health crisis can manifest in various ways, including:

• Severe anxiety or panic attacks
• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
• Psychotic episodes (e.g., hallucinations, delusions)
• Intense depression or feelings of hopelessness
• Self-harm or harmful behavior towards others

Recognizing the signs early can prevent the crisis from escalating.

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

• Take a deep breath and remain as calm as possible.
• Evaluate the severity of the crisis. Determine if there is an immediate danger to the person or others around them.

2. Ensure Safety

• If the person is in immediate danger (e.g., threatening to harm themselves or others), call emergency services immediately.
• Remove any objects that could be used to cause harm.
• Reflection and Journaling:
  Reflect on spiritual teachings or personal experiences through journaling as a form of self-expression and healing.

3. Provide a Safe Environment

• If possible, move to a quiet and safe space
• Ensure the person is not left alone if they are at risk of harming themselves.

4. Communicate Clearly and Compassionately

• Speak in a calm, reassuring voice.
• Validate their feelings without judgment. Phrases like "I’m here for you" and "You’re not alone" can be comforting.
• Avoid arguing or trying to reason with them if they are not in a state to comprehend.

5. Encourage Professional Help

• Suggest contacting a mental health professional, therapist, or counselor.
• Offer to help them make the call or accompany them to an appointment.

Emergency Services

• Call 911 or your local emergency number
  if there is an immediate threat to life.
• Inform the dispatcher that it is a mental health crisis and describe the situation clearly.

Crisis Hotlines

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

Mobile Crisis Units

Many areas have mobile crisis units that can come to your location to provide immediate support and assessment.

Hospital Emergency Rooms

• If you can safely transport the person, take them to the nearest emergency room. Many hospitals have psychiatric units that can provide immediate care.

Develop a Crisis Plan

• Work with a mental health professional to create a crisis plan. This should include:
• Contact information for healthcare providers and support persons
• Medications and treatment history
• Preferred interventions and calming techniques
• Steps to take during a crisis

Build a Support Network

• Encourage the person to build a strong support network of friends, family, and mental health professionals.
• Support groups can also be beneficial for sharing experiences and coping strategies.

Regular Mental Health Care

• Consistent therapy, counseling, and medication management (if needed) are essential for managing mental health conditions.
• Encourage routine check-ins with mental health professionals to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.

Self-Care and Coping Strategies

• Promote self-care activities such as exercise, mindfulness, hobbies, and healthy eating.
• Teach coping strategies like deep breathing, meditation, and journaling.

Handling a mental health crisis requires immediate, compassionate, and informed action. By staying calm, ensuring safety, and seeking professional help, you can make a significant difference. Long-term strategies and a supportive network are essential for ongoing mental health maintenance and crisis prevention. Remember, you are not alone, and help is available.