Crisis is a word you’ll hear frequently in the mental health world. Many people use it to describe momentary hard experiences or dangerous situations where a person may be in imminent danger. But, let’s take a moment to explore:
- What is a mental health crisis?
- When is my child in a mental health crisis?
- How should we seek help once we are in a crisis?
What is a mental health crisis?
A simple Google search of this question will bring a thousand different definitions, but in general, a mental health crisis includes at least one of the following elements. It is important to stress that the parent of a child/adolescent defines what is a crisis for that child.
- A child is imminent danger of self-harm or harm to others, including verbal or written disclosures of plans.
- A child’s behaviors are far above or far below their normal baselines.
- Your child is beyond their ability to cope with a particular situation.
- Signs psychosis, or a break from reality, such as hearing or seeing things.
- Thoughts or actions that keeps them from being able to care for their own physical and mental wellbeing.
When is my child in a mental health crisis?
A crisis can occur suddenly or it can build slowly over time. Especially with the later, it can be difficult to tell when you’ve entered a crisis situation. The following critical markers can help you determine if you are in a crisis situation.
- You have found, heard or been told of statement of intent to end life. Even vague threats should be taken seriously the first time.
- You are beyond your ability to cope with a child’s behaviors or to keep them safe from their own self-actions.
- There are suddenly emerging behaviors that are way out of character for them including inability or unwillingness to perform hygiene routines, not eating or over-sleeping.
How should we seek help once we are in a crisis?
Mental health crises do not resolve on their own. In cases of threats of self-harm, you only have once chance to ensure safety without the risk of irreversible consequences. There are several ways to seek help during a mental health crisis.
- Call 911. If an attempt is discovered in progress or there is an immediate threat of the child or anyone in the home being hurt, call emergency services immediately. It can be scary to call 911, but it’s a necessary step. Here are some tips to help make that call easier.
- Call Mobile Crisis. Mobile crisis teams are available in all areas of North Carolina and they are generally available to anyone with any insurance or none at all. These teams consist of two-three person teams including a mental health professional and support staff. They will assess you over the phone and if needed, come to your home. Response times can vary, but they are a great resource, especially if you aren’t comfortable transporting the child and you aren’t in immediate danger.
- Visit a Mental Health Crisis Center. If a child is willing to go to speak with someone, you can visit a mental health crisis center to receive a mental health assessment. A clinician will assess the immediate crisis and provide options to stabilize the crisis or recommend more intensive treatment. If no center is available in your area, you can visit your local emergency room.
shhip.net 