Isabella Carter
Mental health crises and emergencies are unique to the individual, but they can look similar in how a person experiences and behaves during the crisis. A mental health crisis is any situation in which a person's actions, feelings, and behaviors can lead to them hurting themselves or others, or put them at risk of being unable to care for themselves or function in the community in a healthy manner. Crises may develop over time or occur suddenly, and warning signs can be difficult to spot or even non-existent. It is important to act quickly and effectively in a mental health crisis.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Actions | The person might be a danger to themselves or others |
| Feelings | Overwhelming, losing control, inability to cope |
| Behaviours | Threatening or attempting self-harm, acting violently, inability to function |
| Situations | Stress at home, work or school, conflicts with loved ones, exposure to trauma, PTSD, violence, natural disasters, loss of a loved one, financial or non-financial barriers to healthcare |
| Signs | Inability to take care of personal hygiene, difficulty getting out of bed, going to work or performing daily tasks |
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What You'll Learn
Threat or attempt of suicide or self-harm
Suicide and self-harm threats or attempts are a mental health crisis and a medical emergency. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), a mental health crisis is "any situation in which a person's behaviour puts them at risk of hurting themselves or others and/or prevents them from being able to care for themselves or function effectively in the community".
If someone is threatening suicide or self-harm, or you suspect they might be considering it, it is important to act quickly. Call 911 or your local emergency number if the person is in immediate danger. If you don't believe there is immediate danger, you can also call a crisis hotline or text a crisis lifeline, such as 988 in the US, or contact a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, therapist, or doctor. When calling emergency services, it is important to explain the nature of the emergency, including any weapons that may be involved, and your relationship to the person in crisis.
It can be difficult to know what to do or say when someone is threatening suicide or self-harm, but it is important to remain calm and supportive. Listen to the person without judgement and let them know you are there to help. Try to avoid arguing, raising your voice, or showing shock or disapproval, as this may make the person feel more defensive or ashamed. Instead, create a safe and non-threatening environment and encourage the person to seek professional help.
It is important to be aware of the signs that someone may be considering suicide or self-harm, such as changes in behaviour, increased stress or anxiety, withdrawal from friends and activities, or talking about feeling hopeless or trapped. If you notice any of these signs in yourself or others, it is important to seek help early on. While it can be challenging to predict a crisis, having a written plan can help outline steps to take and resources to access during a mental health emergency. This can include contacting a mental health professional, such as a therapist or psychiatrist, or reaching out to a trusted friend or family member for support.
Remember, mental health crises can affect anyone, and it is important to take them seriously and provide support and compassion to those who are struggling.
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Stress at school, work or home
Stress is a normal part of life, but when it becomes overwhelming and prolonged, it can lead to a mental health crisis. School, work, and home are common environments where people experience stress, and if not managed effectively, it can interfere with one's ability to function and even lead to harm.
School Stress
Students often experience stress due to academic demands, such as heavy workloads, tight deadlines, difficult assignments, academic competition, and high expectations from teachers, parents, or peers. According to the 2017 APA Stress survey, about 83% of teens identified school as a major stressor. Other factors contributing to school stress include interpersonal relationships, peer pressure, body image issues, and broader concerns such as climate change or war. Chronic stress during childhood and adolescence can have lasting effects on brain development, increasing the risk of anxiety and mood disorders. It can also lead to physical symptoms such as muscle tension, headaches, panic attacks, and stomach aches, impacting overall well-being and academic performance.
Work Stress
Stress at work can arise from various factors, such as heavy workloads, tight deadlines, difficult tasks, or conflicts with colleagues or supervisors. Work stress can affect one's ability to concentrate, make decisions, and perform effectively. Prolonged work stress can lead to burnout and contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety or depression.
Home Stress
Home stress can encompass a range of factors, including financial concerns, interpersonal conflicts, and challenges within family dynamics. Financial stress, in particular, can be a significant source of worry, impacting one's ability to meet basic needs, pay bills, or provide for a family. Additionally, conflicts with loved ones or family members can contribute to a person's stress levels and negatively impact their mental well-being.
Recognizing a Mental Health Crisis
It's important to recognize the signs of a mental health crisis, which may include an inability to function, self-care, or manage daily tasks. A person in crisis may experience heightened isolation and disconnection, or a sense of losing control. They may feel overwhelmed and unable to cope, and their usual coping mechanisms may no longer seem effective. In some cases, a person in crisis may become a danger to themselves or others, exhibiting signs of self-harm or suicidal ideation, which requires immediate intervention.
Seeking Help
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis due to stress at school, work, or home, it's crucial to seek help. Reach out to mental health professionals, such as therapists or counsellors, who can provide guidance and support. Crisis hotlines and intervention services are also available for immediate assistance. Additionally, incorporating stress management techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness, can help prevent stress from escalating into a crisis.
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Conflict with loved ones
Impact on Emotional Well-being: Conflict with loved ones can evoke strong negative emotions such as anger, sadness, fear, or guilt. If these emotions become overwhelming or are not effectively managed, they can contribute to feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, or depression. Over time, unresolved conflicts can lead to chronic stress and negatively impact an individual's mental health.
Disruption in Social Support: Loved ones typically provide a crucial support system for individuals. However, when conflict arises, this support system can become strained or inaccessible. The individual may feel isolated or alone, lacking the emotional and practical support they usually rely on. This sense of isolation can exacerbate existing mental health challenges or trigger a crisis.
Changes in Behaviour: Prolonged or intense conflict with loved ones can lead to changes in behaviour. An individual may withdraw socially, engage in risky behaviours, or exhibit increased aggression. These behavioural changes can be warning signs of a mental health crisis and may further strain relationships, creating a negative cycle that perpetuates the crisis.
Impact on Daily Functioning: Conflict with loved ones can interfere with an individual's ability to carry out daily tasks and maintain personal responsibilities. They may find it challenging to concentrate at work or school, struggle with self-care routines, or neglect other important areas of their life. When conflict disrupts an individual's ability to function effectively, it can be a sign of a mental health crisis.
Triggering of Trauma: For some individuals, conflict with loved ones can trigger past traumatic experiences or unresolved issues. This can be particularly true if the conflict involves intimate partners or family members. The resurfacing of trauma can lead to a mental health crisis, especially if the individual has not adequately processed or addressed their past experiences.
It is important to note that the impact of conflict with loved ones can vary depending on the context, the intensity of the conflict, and the individual's personal resilience and coping mechanisms. However, recognising the potential impact of such conflicts can help prevent or mitigate the development of a mental health crisis. Seeking support from mental health professionals or crisis intervention services is crucial when conflicts start affecting an individual's emotional, behavioural, or functional well-being.
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Trauma, PTSD or violence
Trauma, PTSD, and violence are interconnected and can significantly impact mental health. Trauma refers to any event or experience that severely threatens one's existence, sense of safety, or well-being. It can be a single incident, such as a car accident or natural disaster, or long-term trauma like domestic violence, frequent abuse, or living through war. Trauma can also be indirect, such as witnessing a traumatic event or learning about a loved one's traumatic experience.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a common mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD include flashbacks, anxiety, negative thoughts and beliefs, hypervigilance, intrusive thoughts, and nightmares. To receive a PTSD diagnosis, symptoms must persist for more than a month and cause significant distress or impairment in daily functioning. Complex PTSD (CPTSD) can develop from chronic or long-term trauma, leading to additional challenges with emotion regulation, sense of self, and relationships.
Violence and mental illness are often sensationalized in the media, deepening the stigma associated with mental health issues. There is a complex relationship between mental illness and violence, with higher rates of violence observed in certain socioeconomic, educational, and social stability contexts. Studies suggest that violence can be both a cause and a consequence of mental health issues. In psychiatric settings, violent presentations pose challenges for diagnosis and treatment, requiring the identification and management of potentially dangerous behaviours.
A mental health crisis related to trauma, PTSD, or violence can manifest in various ways. It can include situations where an individual's actions, feelings, or behaviours put themselves or others at risk of harm or impede their ability to care for themselves or function healthily in the community. This can be triggered by stress at home, school, or work, conflicts with loved ones, or exposure to traumatic events. During a mental health crisis, individuals may experience heightened isolation, dissociation, or flashbacks, requiring immediate intervention and support.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis due to trauma, PTSD, or violence, it is crucial to seek professional help. Contact emergency services or mental health crisis hotlines if there is an immediate risk of harm. Reaching out to a therapist, doctor, or psychiatrist can also provide assessment and ongoing support. Additionally, education about triggers and flashbacks, joining support groups, and learning healthy coping strategies can help individuals manage their mental health crisis effectively.
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Inability to care for oneself
A mental health crisis is a situation in which a person's behaviour puts them at risk of hurting themselves or others, or prevents them from being able to care for themselves or function effectively in the community. It is important to note that a mental health crisis can manifest differently for different people.
Stress at home, conflicts with loved ones, exposure to trauma, and experiencing violence are common triggers for a mental health crisis. Additionally, individuals with a mental illness diagnosis are at a higher risk of experiencing a crisis. However, it is important to remember that a crisis can occur even when there is no prior diagnosis or history of mental illness.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, it is crucial to act quickly and effectively. If the person is in immediate danger or at risk of harming themselves or others, call 911 or a local crisis hotline. You can also reach out to a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, therapist, or crisis intervention service, for advice and support.
It is beneficial to be aware of any warning signs and to have a plan in place to support individuals who may be experiencing a mental health crisis. This could include documenting treatment history, having a written plan outlining steps to take in a crisis, and knowing the resources available, such as crisis hotlines, mental health professionals, and emergency services.
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Frequently asked questions
A mental health crisis or emergency is a situation in which a person's actions, feelings, and behaviors can lead to them hurting themselves or others, or put them at risk of being unable to care for themselves or function healthily in the community. Crises may develop gradually or occur suddenly.
Common crisis emotions include feeling very afraid, overwhelmed by negative emotions, and/or out of control. Crises can be triggered by external factors such as increased stress, the loss of someone close, traumatic events, and major life changes. Internal triggers can include intense depression, hopelessness, anxiety, anger, and panic.
First, make sure you and the person in crisis are safe. If you feel unsafe, leave immediately. Once you are safe, call emergency services and provide detailed information. If the situation is life-threatening or if serious property damage is occurring, call 911 and ask for a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) officer. If the person is an immediate danger to themselves or others, inform the dispatcher. If there is no immediate danger, reach out to a psychiatrist, therapist, case manager, or another professional familiar with the person's history.
Reassure the person that you care about them and that you are there to help and protect them. Listen to them actively, with direct eye contact, nodding, and kind body language. Help them access self-care techniques and coping mechanisms such as mindfulness, deep breathing, and grounding exercises.
Learn to recognize the signs of a mental health crisis. If the person you care about already works with healthcare providers, keep their contact information handy. If the person has a written plan of action for mental health crises, familiarize yourself with it.
