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Navigating a Mental Health Crisis

Xiomara Rivera • August 12, 2022

WARNING SIGNS of a Mental Health Crisis

It’s important to know that warning signs are not always present when a mental health crisis is developing. Common actions that may be a clue that a mental health crisis is developing:

  • Inability to perform daily tasks like bathing, brushing teeth, brushing hair, changing clothes
  • Rapid mood swings, increased energy level, inability to stay still, pacing; suddenly depressed, withdrawn; suddenly happy or calm after period of depression
  • Increased agitation verbal threats, violent, out-of-control behavior, destroys property
  • Abusive behavior to self and others, including substance use or self-harm (cutting)
  • Isolation from school, work, family, friends
  • Loses touch with reality (psychosis), unable to recognize family or friends, confused, strange ideas, thinks they’re someone they’re not, doesn’t understand what people are saying, hears voices, sees things that aren’t there
  • Paranoia, suspicion and mistrust of people or their actions without evidence or justification

WHAT TO DO in a mental health crisis

IF YOU ARE WORRIED that you or your loved one is in crisis or nearing a crisis, seek help. Make sure to assess the immediacy of the situation to help determine where to start or who to call. 

  • Is the person in danger of hurting themselves, others or property?
  • Do you have time to start with a phone call for guidance and support from a mental health professional?
  • Do you need emergency assistance?

TECHNIQUES that May Help De-esculate a Crisis:

Keep your voice calm

Avoid overreacting

Listen to the person

Express support and concern

Avoid continuous eye contact

Ask how you can help

Keep stimulation level low

Move slowly

Over options instead of trying to take control

Avoid touching the person unless you ask permission

Be patient

Gently announce actions before initiating them

Give them space, don’t make them feel trapped

Don’t make judgmental comments

Don’t argue or try to reason with the person

If the situation is life-threatening or if serious property damage is occurring, don’t hesitate to call 911 and ask for immediate assistance. 

When Calling 911 for a Mental Health Emergency

Remember to:

  •  Remain calm
  • Explain that your loved one is having a mental health crisis and is not a criminal
  • Ask for a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) officer, if available

They will ask:

  • Your name
  • The person’s name, age, description
  • The person’s current location
  • Whether the person has access to a weapon

Information you may need to communicate:

  • Mental health history, diagnosis(es)
  • Medications, current/discontinued
  • Suicide attempts, current threats
  • Prior violence, current threats
  • Drug use
  • Contributing factors (i.e. current stressors)
  • What has helped in the past
  • Any delusions, hallucinations, loss of touch with reality

If you don’t feel safe at any time, leave the location immediately.

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