Acute psychological distress can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. This condition could manifest as severe anxiety, overwhelming depression, thoughts of self-harm, or a loss of touch with reality. In these circumstances, immediate attention is essential for saving lives and preventing self-destructive behavior.
Issues That Constitute a Mental Health Crisis
A mental health crisis is a situation in which someone’s behavior poses an imminent danger to themselves or others, or they are unable to function due to a psychiatric condition like psychosis or depression. These crises can manifest as dramatic shifts in mood, behavior, emotions, or cognitive function.
If you are having a mental health crisis, you may feel hopeless, isolated, and unable to fulfill your daily responsibilities due to problems like these.
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviors: A desire or intention to end your life can manifest in frequent thoughts about death and dying, making a will, giving away possessions, or researching suicide methods.
- Severe panic attacks: Experiencing overwhelming fear or terror, often accompanied by physical symptoms that cause significant distress and incapacitation.
- Psychotic episodes: A break with reality, characterized by vivid hallucinations, delusions, or severely disorganized thoughts and behaviors.
- Intense, unmanageable emotional states: Severe depression or anxiety can be debilitating, causing you to self-isolate or ignore your needs.
- Threatening behaviors toward others: Exhibiting aggression or violence that poses a danger to others or their property.
Recognizing a Mental Health Crisis
Mental health crises can occur unexpectedly, based on various factors like genetic predisposition, environmental stresses, and existing mental health conditions. The frequency of these events can vary widely; some people may experience multiple episodes within a short period, while others may face them sporadically.
Identifying a mental health crisis involves noticing a drastic shift in your actions, ideas, or state of mind. Signs may include:
- Abrupt withdrawal from daily activities
- Dramatic changes in sleep patterns, appetite, or hygiene
- Verbalizing feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
- Displaying erratic or abnormal behaviors
- Expressing paranoia or a disconnect from the real world
What to Do During a Mental Health Crisis
When a mental health crisis strikes, you must know how to respond effectively to ensure your safety and facilitate recovery. Quick, decisive action can prevent the situation from worsening.
- Seek immediate help: Call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 if you find it hard to distinguish reality from delusions or are in danger of harming yourself. This shortcut will redirect you to emergency counseling services near you, based on your area code.
- Ensure safety: Remove potential means of harm from the vicinity if you are thinking about ending your life.
- Stay calm and supportive: If you are helping someone else, do not panic. Remain composed, listen empathetically, and avoid dismissing their feelings.
- Reach out: Your family and friends can provide reassurance that helps you feel less alone.
Speak to an Admissions Counselor Today
Knowing how to recognize a mental health crisis and respond appropriately can be lifesaving. Palm Springs Behavioral Health provides psychological evaluations and diagnoses for people who need effective treatment strategies.
Though mental health crises can be scary, they are only temporary. You can recover and regain your equilibrium by understanding why you struggle with your well-being. Please request professional help today if you need more clarity and control in your life.
