Many people living with a mental illness will experience a mental health crisis at some point in their lives. Unfortunately, many people don’t know where to start getting treatment when faced with a mental health crisis. Crises can also feel overwhelming and confusing. As a result, it is important to understand the signs of a crisis, plan ahead, and take action. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or are at risk of one, you should seek treatment at a qualified mental health treatment center.
Atlanta Center for Mental Health has crisis support services available 24/7, and our staff has the knowledge and experience to intervene when mental illness has made your everyday tasks impossible. If you believe that you are experiencing a mental health crisis or at risk for one, call 833.625.0458 today.
What is a Mental Health Crisis?
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) defines a mental health crisis as a situation where a person’s mental health puts them at risk of hurting themselves or others. A crisis could mean that a person is in danger of self-harm or experiencing suicidal ideation but could also include severe panic attacks, psychosis, or violent behavior. A crisis could also be when somebody can no longer perform basic functions like eating, sleeping, and bathing.
Causes of a Mental Health Crisis
A crisis may arise suddenly and unexpectedly or it may be the culmination of a large number of diverse factors. Regardless, a mental health crisis generally arises as a result of extreme stresses from recent life events. These can include:
- Losing their job
- A recent loss of a friend or family member
- Trouble in school or at work
- Relationship changes
- Traumatic events such as an assault or natural disaster
- Financial difficulties
- Abusing alcohol or drugs
These stresses may also cause a delayed reaction or a cumulative effect over a long period. Regardless of how or when a stressor manifests, they all can put new and worsening burdens on anyone and can leave you feeling exhausted, confused, and vulnerable. A mental health crisis can also result from an undiagnosed mental illness or be exacerbated by an existing diagnosis.
Warning Signs of a Mental Health Crisis
Sometimes there are warning signs before a crisis, while other times, the crisis arises seemingly out of nowhere. Even so, it is essential to be aware of the warning signs of an incoming mental health crisis, either to seek treatment or to provide support for a friend or loved one. Typically, warning signs encompass sudden and dangerous shifts in behavior. These can include:
- Loss of interest in hobbies and activities
- Reckless or out of control behavior
- Paranoia
- Inability to go to work, school, or social events
- Social withdrawal or isolation
- Inability to bathe, get dressed, etc.
- Rapid mood swings
- Loss of touch with reality
Residential Mental Health Treatment Can Help
Any mental health crisis can potentially be dangerous, and all should be taken seriously. Fortunately, if you are in crisis, you have options for treatment. A qualified mental health treatment center like Atlanta Center for Mental Health is equipped to deal with crises while creating a safe, comfortable environment.
If you are experiencing a crisis, you should also consider residential mental health treatment. At our home-like facility, you can recover from a crisis while insulated from the stressors of the outside world and focus entirely on learning new healthy coping skills, all while receiving around-the-clock care and personalized treatment. If your mental health crisis is related to facing harmful daily environments, residential mental health treatment at Atlanta Center for Mental Health could be ideal for your needs. To learn more, call 833.625.0458 or fill out our online contact form.
