What is a mental health crisis?
A mental health crisis is when a person feels like they are at breaking point and are in need of immediate help. This can have a different meaning to different people, depending on the circumstance that they are in. For some people these can include:
- An act that can put others or yourself at risk
- Having suicidal thoughts or acting on them
- Experiencing episodes of psychosis
When either yourself or someone you care about is suffering from a mental health condition it is always the best course of action to get help at the earliest stage. This can help to find the right course of treatment and to manage the symptoms before they become more severe. It will also help prevent it from developing into a crisis.
Getting help from mental health services
There are many mental health services available that can help someone with a mental health problem. They can do this by providing a number of core services such as support, treatment, and care.
GP
Although a GP cannot provide you with direct help, they are able to be the bridge that connects you to other specialist teams. These teams can include the crisis resolution team or community mental health team. Some of the other ways they can help is by referring you for diagnosis and treatment. In addition to this, if you feel like you are in urgent need of support you can book an emergency appointment with them.
Crisis resolution teams
- They are able to provide support for those who have been referred to the team after going to Accident and Emergency, a GP, or another health care professional
- Provide specialist assessment for those over 16 that need urgent mental health care
- When undergoing an assessment, it is not something that is dictated to you but rather a discussion with a specialist where you are informed on all the relevant information that is needed so that you can both understand and agree on your current needs and how they are best able to help you through this crisis
- Can also identify if there is a risk posed to yourself or others
- Team is available 24hrs a day, 7 days a week
- The team consists of a number of professionals who specialise in mental health such as psychiatrists, social workers, support workers and mental health nurses
- Help you with some self-help strategies
- Can help and guide you in putting a crisis plan in place should you have another crisis in the future
Community mental health teams (CMHT)
This team is in place to help those with serious or complex mental health needs. As part of the care that is provided by this service, a care plan will have been created which will include ways to manage mental health on daily basis and a set out procedure of what to do in the event of a crisis.
Day services
Day services are a great way for someone to get support for coping with a mental health problem that does not require going to the hospital. They offer a variety of different methods that can help each person depending on what works best for them including counselling, talking therapy and art therapy. They also supply a great opportunity to meet others who are or may have been in a similar situation. This gives you a chance to talk through similar experiences and maybe help one another. In addition to this, it can be a place to go to get some peace and quiet for a while. You can find the nearest day service to you by asking your GP, searching online or through your crisis team or community mental health team.
Helping yourself cope in a crisis
If you are feeling like your life is getting out of control, there are a number of different strategies that can be used to help you cope. As part of the help, you receive from your crisis team they will teach you different ways you can manage and reduce the symptoms you are experiencing. Here’s a few simple things you can try:
Exercises to relax and calm anxiety
- Taking a break – take a step back from what you are doing to clear your mind such as reading a book, watching a movie, getting some fresh air or by running a relaxing bath
- Breathing exercises – take deep breaths by inhaling through the nose and exhaling through your mouth. Focus on each breath
- Creativity – get in touch with your creative side by drawing, painting, or colouring in to help you relax
- Music – play your favourite song and sing or dance along to it, this can have a very strong impact on your mood and help to cheer you up. You can also just put on some headphones, close your eyes, and tune out the rest of the world.
- Apps – download a game or puzzle that will distract you and keep your mind occupied on something else
- Writing down – Sometimes it can be difficult to talk and express the thoughts and feelings you are having to someone. In this case, you could find it easier to write it all down in a diary or piece of paper
How friends and family can help
You can sit down with friends and family to discuss a plan of a preferred way you would like to deal with a crisis. This plan could include teaching them how to spot the warning signs of a crisis and the best ways in which they can help. It will also have the contact information for CMHT or crisis resolution team as well as your preferred treatment that has been discussed and accepted by all stakeholders.
Immediate risk
If you feel like your life is at risk right now or you have harmed yourself, you will be in need of immediate medical help. If you cannot do this right now you should ask someone to do it for you. They can help by calling 999 for an ambulance or contacting your crisis team.
Contacts
Samaritans – 116 123 (24hrs a day, 7 days a week)
Shout – text Shout to 85258
Papyrus – 0800 0684 141 (lines open every day, 9am-midnight)
CALM – 0800 58 58 58 (lines open every day, 5pm-midnight)
SANEline – 0300 304 7000 (lines open every day, 4:30pm-10:30pm)
National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK – 0800 689 5652 (lines open 24/7)