Urgent Mental Health Care: A Guide For Seeking Crisis Support
- For those experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988
- For those experiencing abuse, please contact the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- For those experiencing substance use, please contact SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
For anyone who experiences a pressing mental health concern, readily available care can be crucial, as it can help a person navigate emergency situations, severe symptoms, or difficult life challenges. Crisis support can involve a range of services, from psychiatric hospital care to educational resources. Knowing what a mental health crisis is, how it may affect you, and where to find help can be vital to your ability to effectively address one should it arise. Here, we’re providing an overview of crisis support: when it’s necessary, how to utilize it, and what you can do to help ensure its effectiveness.
What is a mental health crisis?
A mental health crisis can be defined as a period of heightened emotional turmoil or volatility that seriously impacts an individual’s well-being and ability to function. Mental health crises can be caused by a variety of contributors, including distressing events, major life changes, psychiatric disorders, and chronic stress.
Effects of a mental health crisis
Mental health crises can impact various facets of an individual’s life, including their emotional and physical well-being, relationships, career, and ability to care for themselves. Potential psychological impacts include severe feelings of sadness, hopelessness, anger, or nervousness. Some people may experience various cognitive effects as well, such as difficulty focusing, mental fatigue, and memory impairment. Physical impacts may include body pain, headaches, gastrointestinal distress, and tension.
Causes of mental health crises
Many things can trigger a mental health crisis, from a sudden event to a buildup of stress over time. Common causes of a mental health crisis include the following.
Distressing situations
Traumatic or difficult-to-process events can lead to pronounced emotional responses. People who experience bereavement, natural disasters, accidents, serious illnesses, or similar occurrences may undergo various mental health challenges.
Major life changes
Individuals who have experienced some form of upheaval can struggle to adjust, potentially leading to a psychological crisis. For example, someone who is recently divorced may experience loneliness, sadness, and other challenging feelings that can be hard to manage. Other common, major life changes that could cause mental health challenges may include moving, losing a job, having a child, or graduating.
Psychiatric disorders
There are several mental illnesses that can lead to serious emotional distress. Almost any mental health condition can become severe enough that it requires urgent treatment. For example, substance use disorder can be debilitating in some cases, with drug use interfering with an individual' s ability to function and maintain emotional stability. Depression, anxiety, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, trauma-related disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and many other conditions also have the potential to lead to mental health crises, especially when untreated.
Stress
In an increasingly busy and complex world, stress is a common challenge—and one that can be difficult to manage. We can experience stress related to our careers, relationships, finances, or other situations. For some, difficulties coping with increasing stress lead to an emotional breakdown. According to one survey, 53% of adults in the US report experiencing negative mental health outcomes related to stress.
When to seek crisis support for suicide prevention or other forms of care
It can sometimes be difficult to know when to pursue urgent mental health care, especially if you haven’t experienced severe emotional challenges before. Below, we’re discussing some situations in which crisis support may be necessary.
In general, it’s usually better to err on the side of caution and reach out for support when you’re struggling. Whether you’re connecting with a therapist or a crisis line, there’s generally no emotional challenge too small. You deserve compassionate care, and this kind of support is available.
Signs of severe mental illness
As discussed above, psychiatric disorders are common sources of mental health crises. Knowing how to identify serious symptoms of mental illnesses can help you determine whether urgent assistance might be necessary. The following are a few examples of signs of potentially severe mental health conditions:
- Drastic fluctuations in mood
- Notable changes in appetite
- Sleep disruptions
- Impaired functioning
- Cognitive dysfunction
- Heightened nervousness and worry
- Unusual behavior
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Significant body aches
If you believe you might be living with a mental disorder, consulting with a healthcare provider as soon as possible is recommended. A medical or mental health professional can provide you with evaluations and determine whether further testing, a diagnosis, and treatment are necessary.
Self-harm
Suicidal ideation is considered a mental health emergency. Those who are experiencing suicidal thoughts or engaging in self-harm should seek care immediately. Research suggests that prevention interventions, which we’ll discuss more below, can significantly reduce the incidence of suicidal behavior.
What mental health services are available for crisis support?
There is an array of resources and care options that you can utilize if you’re experiencing a psychological emergency. If you’re seeking crisis support, a mental health professional or trained volunteer can help you determine which of the following interventions best fits your needs.
Inpatient treatment
Psychiatric and medical hospitals can provide patients with comprehensive, urgent care for mental health crises. Often, inpatient treatment involves monitoring to ensure the patient is stable and allow the care team to respond to changes rapidly. Inpatient treatment may be necessary for those who are experiencing severe psychiatric symptoms, such as psychosis or treatment-resistant depression. It is also commonly utilized by people who have experienced drug or alcohol overuse.
Other emergency mental health services
In addition to inpatient care, individuals may pursue outpatient treatment from a psychiatric hospital or similar facility, which can help them stabilize and allow professionals to monitor them. Some people may also benefit from reaching out to a psychotherapist, who can provide compassionate support and useful insights. A therapist can help you develop coping strategies, identify the sources of a crisis, and address symptoms of a potential mental disorder. Keep in mind, however, that waiting for an appointment with a psychotherapist when you’re experiencing a mental health emergency is not recommended. Instead, it may be advisable to contact a crisis support line (more on these below), and then meet with a therapist for follow-up support.
Crisis support and suicide prevention helplines
There are several crisis services that can connect individuals with resources and support during periods of emotional turmoil. Through the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, for example, you can talk to a trained crisis counselor for free. While this person may not be a mental health professional, they can offer emotional support, answer questions, and guide you toward the right qualified provider for you. This service also offers a helpline specifically for veterans, called the Veterans Crisis Line. You can also find support through the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine.
Educational resources
Useful information on mental illnesses, crisis support, and related subjects can be found through various online or in-person resources. Consider visiting the NIMH’s Mental Health Information page, the CDC’s Mental Health Resources page, or NAMI’s About Mental Illness page. You may also find useful tools and resources through local or state organizations.
Creating a crisis plan
There are several steps you can take to ensure you’re prepared should a mental health crisis affect you or a loved one. The following are steps you can take to develop a crisis plan:
- Maintain a list of crisis resources
- Keep contact information for relevant mental health services
- Have a bag or box of self-care items (e.g., books, workout clothes, a soft blanket, a sensory toy, etc.) readily available
- Keep a list of coping techniques that work for you
- Ensure that contact information for your support system is up to date
- Share your preferred treatment plan with loved ones
The importance of self-care in addition to mental health care
Regularly taking steps to nourish your body and mind may help you limit the effects of a mental health crisis or, in some cases, reduce your risk of experiencing one altogether. There are various self-care practices that may help you promote emotional wellness, including exercising regularly, meditating, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, and following a healthful nutritional plan. For example, research suggests that mindfulness meditation may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, especially in combination with professional care.
How an online therapist can help
If you aren’t comfortable discussing severe mental health concerns with a mental health professional in person, an online therapy platform can help. Online therapy allows you to connect remotely with an experienced professional who can provide compassionate support and useful guidance.
The benefits of online therapy
With an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, you can develop a crisis plan with and/or get routine emotional support from a qualified professional remotely, through video call, voice call, or in-app messaging. Online therapy also can be a more affordable option than in-person sessions without insurance, as BetterHelp memberships start at $70 per week (billed weekly or every four weeks), and you can cancel any time. Subscription pricing is based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply.
The efficacy of mental health care through online therapy
Research indicates that online therapy can often be an effective form of treatment for many types of mental health challenges. For example, in one study, researchers suggest that online therapy can lead to improved mental health outcomes in young people with self-harming thoughts and behaviors. According to the study, such an intervention may help address “the public health issue of acute mental health crisis in children and adolescents.”
Takeaway
What is considered crisis support?
The American Psychological Association defines crisis intervention, closely linked to crisis support, as “psychological intervention provided on a short-term, emergency basis for individuals experiencing mental health crises, such as an acute psychotic episode or attempted suicide.” In other words, crisis support is a form of mental health support that is used to help a person who is experiencing an acute mental health challenge find stability and connect to longer-term care.
Is there someone I can talk to for free?
There are many free help lines that will connect callers with a trained volunteer or qualified counselor for free. Some examples of crisis lines that provide free support include the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, the Veterans Crisis Line, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine.
When to call the crisis line?
Crisis lifeline workers are there to support people in difficult moments, or what may be called a “hot moment” of high emotions. If you feel overwhelmed, alone, and are experiencing strong negative feelings or mental health symptoms that you don't feel you can manage on your own, you can feel confident in reaching out to a crisis line like 988.
What qualifies as a mental crisis?
The National Institute of Mental Health defines a crisis as “a situation that a person or their loved ones cannot safely manage on their own and requires support from trained professionals. Common crisis emotions include feeling very afraid, overwhelmed by negative emotions, and/or out of control. A mental health crisis does NOT ALWAYS mean someone is a danger to self or others.” There are health care services available for people who may be experiencing this type of crisis.
Who to turn to in a crisis?
If you don't have a trusted loved one available to turn to in a crisis, help lines are open to all. In addition to the general 988 help line, you can also find help lines specifically for youth and students.
How to tell if someone is in crisis?
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services lists potential warning signs of a mental health crisis in both young people and adults. Extreme withdrawal, acting out in aggressive ways (such as punching a wall), and having rapid mood swings are just a few of many possible signs of a mental health crisis.
How long does a mental health crisis last?
There’s no set duration for a mental health crisis, as it depends on many factors: the symptoms the person is experiencing, whether they’re related to a mental illness, other aspects of the person’s health, whether they have support and are in a safe environment, and whether they’re able to reach out for help. It could last anywhere from a few minutes to hours or days or more.
How to help a person in a crisis?
Seeking crisis support from a trained professional is an often-recommended way to help a person who is experiencing a mental health crisis. You can call a crisis lifeline like 988 to get advice on how to respond, or sit with the person while they call a crisis lifeline.
What are the 4 phases of crisis (mental health)?
The four phases of a mental health crisis can be identified in a few different ways. One framework is: pre-escalation/warning signs, escalation, crisis, and recovery.
How to treat a mental health crisis?
Reaching out for support is recommended for a person experiencing a mental health crisis. Calling a crisis line like 988 or seeking in-person support from a healthcare professional can be crucial.
- Next Article