RSS
Home
What to do in a mental health crisis
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
When faced with a mental illness crisis, consumers, family and friends face many unknowns. Often times this crisis is their introduction to mental illness in their lives. How the crisis is handled can make all the difference in how they deal with future crises, form opinions about mental illness and how well they can recover as a whole. It can truly be an innitiation by fire.
In California, the Millionaires Tax also known as Prop. 63 or the Mental Health Services Act has helped to fund education programs for law enforcement to help them better learn how to handle an emergency situation involving a psychotic event.
This Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) is based on a national model for the proactive intervention in mental health crises. The goal is to have at least 20% of the law enforcement forces trained in this type of intervention. Ventura County has implemented the CIT training and other counties around southern California are as well.
Mental illness is not due to behavior issues and the patient or consumer can’t “just snap out of it.” That would be nice, but it isn’t possible. Mental illnesses are biologically based brain disorders. With medication and other therapies, recovery is possible.
The psychotic event may be the first real sign of a problem and it can be frightening to all involved. Knowing where and how to seek help and intervention can certainly help to control the collateral damage.
Calling 911 may be the first and best option, especially if the person is a threat to himself or others. Hospitalization may be necessary to medicate the person and control the symptoms. An accurate diagnosis may not be possible during this period. With or without a diagnosis, follow up care will be necessary. At discharge, be sure to get information and referrals.
When calling 911, the crisis team should be requested, and ask for a law enforcement officer or team that has received the CIT if available. This will help to ensure that the necessity for use-of-force is reduced, and that the person is evaluated for a 5150 hold and taken to a mental health facility rather than straight to jail if possible.
If the consumer is cooperative, take him to a hospital emergency room and request a mental health evaluation. If the facility does not have these services, they can arrange for transit.
The Suicide Prevention hotline is also a valuable resource. Their number is 800-273-TALK (8255).
NAMI has lists of resources on their community websites such as Ventura, Westside LA, Urban LA, and Orange County.
Knowledge and information are keys to effective support, treatment, recovery and survival for mental health consumers and families.
photo:stockxpert.com
