A mental health crisis is a situation in which a person’s declining mental health has put them at risk of hurting themselves or others. These can take many different forms. Mental health crises can be unexpected or the culmination of a slow build of stressors on a person’s life. They could also mean that the person is threatening self-harm or that they are unable to perform basic maintenance functions like sleeping and eating. However, regardless of the form a crisis takes, residential mental health treatment can help.
Atlanta Center for Mental Health has round-the-clock crisis support services available, and we understand how overwhelming and difficult a mental health crisis is to experience. We are committed to providing supportive care to those in crisis. If you believe you or a loved one are experiencing a mental health crisis, call 833.625.0458 now.
Signs of a Mental Health Crisis
You must be able to recognize the warning signs of an impending mental health crisis in a friend or loved one and be able to support them through it. Warning signs may or may not be present before the onset of a crisis, but being able to spot a mental health crisis ahead of time and intervene could make a life-changing difference. Some typical warning signs include:
- Rapid and unexplained shifts in behavior
- Loss of interest in their favorite hobbies
- Uncharacteristically reckless or dangerous behavior
- Experiencing brain fog regularly
- Inability to go to work, school, or social events
- Social withdrawal or isolation
- Change in eating and sleeping habits
- Rapid mood swings
- Paranoia
- Hearing or seeing things that aren’t there
If you begin to notice these warning signs in a loved one, it could be time to stage a mental health crisis intervention.
Mental Health Crisis Interventions
Oftentimes, mental health crises can go unchecked because those experiencing a crisis need a loved one to recognize the danger and intervene. Mental health crisis intervention is best done before the person in crisis poses a danger to themselves or others and is best done in conjunction with medical professionals qualified to care for those in crisis.
However, an unexpected mental health crisis may require you to safely deescalate the situation. In these cases, you want to stay as calm as possible, listen, and be supportive of your loved one getting the help they need. In the event of a crisis, some techniques to calm the situation include:
- Keep your voice calm
- Express your support and concern for your loved one
- Do not make unhelpful and judgemental comments
- Take their concerns seriously
- Ask how you can help
- Avoid touching the person without permission
- Clearly communicate your actions before taking them
- Offer options or suggestions to your loved one rather than telling them what to do
It is okay if you do not know what to say. The best thing you can do for your loved one is to be an empathetic and supportive voice. Your main priority should be to deescalate the situation and get them the help they need.
If You Notice Signs of a Mental Health Crisis, Call Atlanta Center for Mental Health
Mental health crises should be taken seriously and, if possible, should be identified early. With proper treatment, a mental health crisis can resolve safely and with the person in crisis getting the help they need. If you notice signs of a mental health crisis in a loved one, you can help them by calling Atlanta Center for Mental Health. We have the experience and qualified staff necessary to safely navigate a mental health crisis and quickly get your loved one treatment in a safe, welcoming environment. Call Atlanta Center for Mental Health at 833.625.0458 or fill out our online contact form today to learn more.
