How to Respond to a Mental Health Crisis

Written by Samantha Carter

According to Mental Health America, roughly 20% of Americans experience mental illness. Additionally, there are more than 6 million hospitalizations from mental health crises each year. Because it is increasingly likely that you or someone you know will experience a mental health crisis in their life, it’s important that you know how to recognize and respond to one. Keep reading to learn what you need to know to be prepared to handle a crisis.

Understanding a Mental Health Crisis

A mental health crisis is a situation in which a person’s behavior puts them at risk of hurting themselves or others, or prevents them from being able to care for themselves. Unlike a typical bad day or a bout of feeling low, a mental health crisis involves a severe, acute decline in mental functioning that requires immediate intervention.

What Causes a Mental Health Crisis?

Understanding the causes of a mental health crisis is essential for prevention and effective intervention. A mental health crisis can be triggered by a combination of factors, often involving underlying mental health conditions, significant life events, and environmental stressors. Below we’ve listed some common causes.

Underlying Mental Health Disorders

• Depression: Severe depression can lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors, creating a crisis situation.
• Bipolar Disorder: Extreme mood swings, including manic and depressive episodes, can trigger a crisis.
• Schizophrenia: Psychotic episodes, characterized by delusions and hallucinations, can lead to dangerous behaviors.
• Anxiety Disorders: Intense, uncontrolled anxiety or panic attacks can escalate into a crisis.
• Personality Disorders: Conditions such as Borderline Personality Disorder can involve severe emotional instability and impulsive behaviors that may result in a crisis.

Trauma and Stress

• Acute Stress: Experiencing a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, accident, or assault, can trigger a crisis.
• Chronic Stress: Long-term stress from ongoing issues like financial problems, relationship difficulties, or workplace stress can accumulate and lead to a mental health crisis.
• Past Trauma: Unresolved trauma from childhood or past experiences can resurface and cause a crisis.

Substance Abuse

• Drug and Alcohol Use: Substance abuse can exacerbate underlying mental health issues, leading to impaired judgment, increased risk-taking behaviors, and suicidal ideation.
• Withdrawal: The process of withdrawing from drugs or alcohol can cause severe physical and psychological distress, triggering a crisis.

Life Transitions

• Major Life Changes: Significant changes such as divorce, job loss, or the death of a loved one can overwhelm an individual’s coping mechanisms and lead to a crisis.
• Developmental Transitions: Adolescents and young adults may experience mental health crises during periods of significant developmental change and identity formation.

Lack of Support

• Social Isolation: A lack of social support can leave individuals feeling alone and unable to cope with their mental health issues.
• Stigma: Fear of judgment or stigma may prevent individuals from seeking help, allowing their condition to worsen until it reaches a crisis point.

Physical Health Issues

• Chronic Illness: Living with a chronic illness or severe physical pain can contribute to mental health deterioration and crisis.
• Brain Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries can affect mental health and lead to behavioral changes that may trigger a crisis.

Medication and Treatment Issues

• Non-Adherence: Failing to take prescribed medication or adhere to treatment plans can lead to a relapse or worsening of symptoms.
• Side Effects: Adverse effects of medications can contribute to mental health crises if not properly managed.

Environmental Factors

• Living Conditions: Poor living conditions, such as homelessness or living in an unsafe environment, can increase stress and trigger a crisis.
• Work Environment: High-pressure or toxic work environments can contribute to mental health issues and crises.

Signs of a Mental Health Crisis

Recognizing the signs of a mental health crisis is crucial in providing timely and effective help. These signs can vary widely but often include:

• Extreme Mood Swings: Sudden, intense changes in mood, including uncontrollable highs or severe depression.
• Suicidal Thoughts or Behaviors: Expressing thoughts of suicide, making plans, or engaging in self-harm.
• Paranoia or Delusional Thinking: Experiencing extreme paranoia, delusions, or hallucinations.
• Aggressive or Violent Behavior: Uncharacteristic aggression towards others or oneself.
• Inability to Perform Daily Activities: Losing the ability to handle daily tasks, such as personal hygiene, eating, or managing responsibilities.
• Withdrawal from Social Interaction: Sudden withdrawal from friends, family, and usual activities.
• Substance Abuse: Increased or excessive use of alcohol or drugs.

Steps to Take in the Event of a Mental Health Crisis

When faced with a mental health crisis, whether it’s your own or that of a loved one, it’s important to take immediate and appropriate action. Below are the steps you should follow.

Ensure Immediate Safety

The first and foremost priority in any mental health crisis is safety. If there is an immediate threat of harm, call emergency services (911 in the United States) or go to the nearest emergency room.

• Remove Dangerous Objects: Ensure the environment is free from objects that could be used for self-harm or violence.
• Stay Calm: Approach the person with a calm and composed demeanor to avoid escalating the situation.
• Do Not Leave Them Alone: If someone is in immediate danger, stay with them until professional help arrives.

Communicate Effectively

Effective communication can de-escalate a crisis and provide comfort to the person in distress.

• Listen Actively: Allow the person to express their feelings without interruption. Show empathy and avoid judgment.
• Speak Softly and Clearly: Use a calm, soothing tone. Avoid shouting or using an authoritative voice.
• Validate Their Feelings: Acknowledge their pain and distress. Statements like “I’m here for you” or “It’s okay to feel this way” can provide reassurance.
• Avoid Arguing or Criticizing: Do not argue with their perceptions or criticize their feelings, as this can escalate the crisis.

Assess the Situation

Assess the severity of the crisis to determine the next steps.

• Evaluate Immediate Danger: Determine if there is an immediate risk of harm to the person or others.
• Identify Triggers: Try to understand what may have triggered the crisis to better address the situation.
• Consider Underlying Conditions: Be aware of any pre-existing mental health conditions, substance abuse issues, or recent traumatic events.

Seek Professional Help

Professional intervention is crucial in a mental health crisis. Depending on the severity, different types of help may be required.

• Crisis Hotlines: Encourage the person to call a mental health crisis hotline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255 in the U.S.).
• Mobile Crisis Units: Some areas have mobile crisis units that can come to your location and provide immediate care.
• Emergency Services: If the situation is life-threatening, do not hesitate to call 911 or take the person to an emergency room.
• Mental Health Professionals: Contact a mental health professional, such as a therapist, psychiatrist, or counselor, for immediate guidance and follow-up care.

Provide Ongoing Support

After the immediate crisis has been managed, ongoing support is essential for recovery and prevention of future crises.

• Follow-Up Care: Ensure the person attends follow-up appointments with mental health professionals.
• Create a Safety Plan: Develop a safety plan that includes warning signs, coping strategies, and emergency contacts.
• Encourage Healthy Habits: Promote a routine that includes regular exercise, healthy eating, adequate sleep, and avoidance of alcohol and drugs.
• Stay Connected: Maintain regular contact and offer continued emotional support.

Self-Care for Caregivers

If you are supporting someone through a mental health crisis, it’s important to take care of your own well-being as well.

• Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries to protect your own mental health.
• Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to seek support, whether it’s from friends, family, or a therapist, especially if you feel you can’t provide the person in crisis with the support they need.
• Practice Self-Care: Engage in activities that help you relax and recharge, such as hobbies, exercise, or meditation.
• Educate Yourself: Learn more about mental health issues and crisis intervention to better understand and support your loved one.

Preventing Future Crises

Preventing future mental health crises involves ongoing management and support.

• Regular Check-Ins: Maintain regular communication and check-ins with the person to monitor their mental health.
• Early Intervention: Address early signs of distress before they escalate into a crisis.
• Support Networks: Encourage the person to build and maintain a support network of friends, family, and mental health professionals.
• Skill Development: Help the person develop coping skills and resilience through therapy, support groups, and self-help strategies.

Treating Mental Illness at All Points North Lodge

A mental health crisis is a serious and often frightening experience, but with the right steps and support, it can be managed effectively. Recognizing the signs of a crisis, ensuring immediate safety, communicating effectively, seeking professional help, and providing ongoing support are all crucial components of a successful response. It’s also important to remember that taking care of your own well-being as a caregiver is equally important to sustain your ability to help others.

If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health issues, trauma, or addiction, consider seeking treatment at All Points North Lodge. Our world-class treatment center accepts a variety of insurance plans and allows participants to experience holistic therapies that work.

With personalized treatment plans and alternative therapies such as adventure therapy, equine therapy, massage therapy, yoga, meditation, deep TMS, ketamine treatment, stellate ganglion block, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and more, All Points North offers a unique residential healing experience that can work for anyone willing to put in the work.

While it’s difficult to see it in the moment, a mental health crisis can often be the sign that’s required for people to get the help they truly need. Once you hit rock bottom, there’s only one way to go from there, and that’s why we believe that “All Points North.” To consider taking that journey with us, fill out our contact form or give us a call today at 855.232.8217.

Additionally, to hear some success stories of our alumni, check out our podcast, Recovery x APN.

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