Individuals enter into difficult situations throughout life.  Some cope better than others.  Others face such distraught, that mental crisis can occur.  Loss, disaster and tragedy whether at once or over a gradual period of time can wear on an individual.  While there are many normal reactions to loss and crisis, individuals sometimes still need guidance through their emotion.  Many can feel numb, or grief trodden after an event.  Others may feel completely shell shocked and need certain gestures, words of kindness and physical and mental aid.

Still, some enter into mental crisis and find themselves suicidal or a danger to themselves or others.  It is important not just a a counselor, but also as a good friend to be able to help others under severe duress or in mental crisis.  Knowing what to say, what to look out for and where to find additional help for them is key in potentially preventing further damage to the person.

The article, “8 ways you can help a loved one — or even save their life — during a mental health crisis” by Rebecca Strong looks at ways a concerned friend can help another through acute crisis mental states.  She lists in her article numerous things to say, look out for, and where to find the appropriate help.  She reiterates the importance of validating someone’s loss or fears during crisis and trying to help them leave the acute phase of mental crisis.  She states,

“It’s natural to feel worried or even frightened when someone you care about is going through a mental health crisis, but you can do a lot to help them.  A mental health crisis can happen in response to trauma or overwhelming stressors that make it difficult to navigate everyday life. Facing this level of intense distress may, in some cases, lead to thoughts of self-harm or suicide, though not everyone in crisis will have a plan to die.  One important first step toward offering compassionate support involves remembering your loved one didn’t choose to experience this distress. In short, a mental health crisis isn’t their fault.”

“8 ways you can help a loved one — or even save their life — during a mental health crisis”. Rebecca Strong.  Insider. October 14th, 2022.

Please click here to review the  full article.

Commentary

Helping individuals in crisis and acute mental trauma is important in saving a life or preventing further damage.  Many individuals are not rational or may even be suicidal.  This is not their normal frame of mind, so it is important to help them find pre-crisis cognitive thought.  Listening, guiding, and finding the necessary help are key elements to calming an individual to more rational thought.  Longer term mental crisis is also an issue. Lingering suicidal thoughts may creep in or the trauma may return and the individual may need someone to talk to in these dark moments.

Crisis intervention is a process whereby someone in a position of authority intervenes in a situation to prevent it from deteriorating further. It is typically used in cases where there is an imminent threat of harm to oneself or others, and the goal is to stabilize the situation and prevent further harm. Crisis intervention team members are trained to assess the situation and take appropriate action to de-escalate it.  The goal of crisis intervention is to help people stabilize their emotions and thoughts, and to develop a plan to cope with their challenges. Crisis intervention typically involves teaching people coping and problem-solving skills, and providing support and encouragement.

Many who are in crisis can contemplate suicide.  Suicide intervention refers to the process of intervening in someone’s life who may be suicidal. It is typically done by family, friends, or mental health professionals in order to prevent the person from harming themselves. The goal of intervention is to get the individual to safety and to connect them with resources that can help them in their time of need.  If someone you know is suicidal, the best thing you can do is to encourage them to seek professional help. You can also offer to support them in any way you can, but it’s important not to try to handle everything on your own. Let them know that you’re there for them and that they are not alone.

The process of assessing suicide threat generally includes four key steps: (1) identifying risk factors for suicide, (2) evaluating the severity of those risk factors, (3) making a determination as to whether the individual is in immediate danger of harming themselves, and (4) developing a plan to keep the individual safe. There are many different factors that can contribute to someone being at risk for suicide, so it is important to consider all of them when conducting an assessment.  Making a promise to call before anything drastic is underdone is an important promise to make with someone with a mental issue.

If issues point towards a deeper pathology, it is important to find the person professional help.  If the plan is real, the objects available and the mood depressive, calling the proper authorities is key.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is important to remember that mental health crises can happen to anyone. If you or someone you know is in crisis, there are many resources available to help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, as well as prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. You are not alone.  By increasing public awareness of the issue, providing support and resources for those affected, and destigmatizing mental illness, we can make progress in helping those in mental health crisis.

Please also review AIHCP’s various behavioral health certifications.  The programs are designed for healthcare professionals and offer four year certifications.  Among the various programs include Grief Counseling, Crisis Intervention, Stress Management and Anger Management.  The programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals.

Additional Resources

Suicide Prevention. CDC.  October 19th, 2022. Access here

What Is a Crisis Intervention?. Vertava Health. April 7th, 2022.  Access here

“Crisis Intervention Techniques for Mental Health”. Banyan Treatment Centers. Access here

“Crisis Intervention in Mental Health”.  Jim Collins.  March 19th, 2020.  Access here