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As an onlooker in a mental health crisis, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and anxious, but remaining calm is essential. Panic situation can hinder your ability to respond effectively. Taking action quickly and thoughtfully can make a significant difference. The first step should always be to contact mental health professionals or emergency services, ensuring that expert help is on the way. Staying composed and following the proper steps can offer crucial support and assistance until professional help arrives.
Assess the Situation
Begin by evaluating the individual’s immediate condition to understand the nature and urgency of the mental health crisis. Look for the signs of severe distress, such as extreme agitation, disorientation, or expressions of self-harm or suicidal thoughts. Engage with the person calmly and non-threateningly to gauge their level of distress and willingness to talk. Evaluate whether they pose a risk to themselves or others. Your initial assessment will guide your next steps and help determine whether immediate intervention is needed or if it’s safe to wait for professional help.
Call for Professional Help
Reach out to emergency services or a hotline, like the National Depression Hotline, without delay. Provide the operator with clear and concise information about the situation: the location, the nature of the crisis, and any relevant details about the individual’s behavior and mental state. If the person has specific mental health conditions or is under the influence of substances, inform the dispatcher. Follow the dispatcher’s guidance and update them on any changes in the individual’s condition. Promptly involving professionals ensures that appropriate support and intervention are on their way.
Provide Immediate Support
If you are trained in crisis intervention, use your skills to offer immediate support. Approach the person with empathy and understanding and try to create a safe space for them to express their feelings. Avoid judgmental or confrontational language. If the individual is experiencing severe anxiety, depression, or the suicidal thoughts, try to de-escalate the situation by offering reassurance and validating their emotions. Encourage them to talk about what they’re going through, but don’t force them to speak. Your supportive presence can help stabilize their condition until professional help arrives. Do not leave the person alone, even for a second as they may be suicidal.
Keep the Person Safe
While waiting for professional help, focus on the individual’s safety and well-being. Ensure the environment is free from potential hazards or items that the person could use for self-harm. If the person is agitated or distressed, try to calm them by speaking in a soothing tone and offering a comfortable setting. Avoid making any sudden movements or decisions that might escalate their distress. If they are open to it, provide basic comforts such as water or a quiet space to sit. Prioritizing their safety and comfort can prevent further escalation and make it easier for mental health professionals to assist. Do whatever you can to calm the person down. Sometimes, playing their favorite music or getting them involved in talking about something else can help de-escalate the mental health crisis.
Monitor and Reassure
Continuously monitor the individual’s condition while awaiting professional help. Observe any changes in their behavior or mood and provide reassurance as needed. If they are conscious and responsive, offer calming words and remind them that help is coming. Your presence and reassurance can significantly impact their state of mind, helping to reduce anxiety and prevent further escalation. Communicate any critical changes to emergency responders when they arrive, providing them with a clear picture of the situation to facilitate effective intervention. If the person tries to get away from you, follow them or get someone else that they might see as more friendly to follow them.
Conclusion
In a mental health crisis, staying calm and composed is crucial for effective intervention. While it’s natural to feel anxious, a clear mind allows for better decision-making and support. Contact mental health professionals or emergency services immediately to ensure expert help is coming. You play a vital role in managing the crisis by assessing the situation, providing immediate support, keeping the individual safe, and offering reassurance. Your ability to remain calm and act thoughtfully can make a significant difference, aiding the individual’s well-being and ensuring they receive the appropriate care and support.
By Maggie Bloom
– graduated from Utah Valley University with a degree in communication and writing. In her spare time, she loves to dance, read, and bake. She also enjoys traveling and scouting out new brunch locations.
Member since November, 2021
View all the articles of Maggie Bloom.
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