When Mental Health Is An Emergency

Mental health emergencies are serious situations that require immediate attention, much like physical health emergencies. Recognizing the signs of a mental health crisis and knowing how to respond can be life-saving. At IntegroRecovery Clinic, we specialize in mental health and addiction care, helping individuals and families navigate challenging situations. In this post, we’ll discuss when mental health becomes an emergency, the signs to watch for, and what steps to take to ensure safety and well-being.

Understanding Mental Health Emergencies

A mental health emergency occurs when a person’s mental or emotional state poses a threat to their safety or the safety of others. These situations often require immediate intervention to prevent harm. Unlike routine mental health concerns, emergencies demand urgent care, often in a hospital or specialized mental health facility.

Types of Mental Health Emergencies

Mental health emergencies can take many forms. Understanding these types can help in identifying when immediate action is necessary.

1. Suicidal Thoughts or Actions: When someone expresses a desire to end their life or shows signs of planning a suicide, this is a critical emergency. Immediate help is necessary to ensure their safety.
2. Self-Harm: Actions like cutting, burning, or other forms of self-injury, even without suicidal intent, are emergencies. Self-harm is a serious indicator of underlying mental health issues that require prompt attention.
3. Psychotic Episodes: Psychosis involves losing touch with reality, which can manifest as hallucinations, delusions, or extreme paranoia. During a psychotic episode, a person may be unable to make safe decisions or care for themselves, making it an emergency.
4. Severe Anxiety or Panic Attacks: While anxiety is common, severe panic attacks that lead to chest pain, shortness of breath, or a feeling of impending doom can mimic symptoms of a heart attack. If someone experiences this level of distress, they need immediate care.
5. Substance Overdose: An overdose on drugs or alcohol is both a physical and mental health emergency. Overdoses can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
6. Aggression or Violent Behavior: When a person becomes violent or aggressive due to their mental state, it poses a danger to themselves and others. This situation requires intervention from mental health professionals and possibly law enforcement.

Recognizing the Signs of a Mental Health Emergency

Knowing the signs of a mental health emergency can help you act quickly. Some warning signs include:

Verbal Cues

• Talk of Suicide or Self-Harm: Statements like “I can’t go on,” “I wish I were dead,” or “Everyone would be better off without me” should never be ignored.
• Expressing Hopelessness: Feeling trapped, saying “There’s no way out,” or expressing feelings of being a burden can indicate a crisis.

Behavioral Changes

• Sudden Mood Swings: Rapid changes from calm to angry or elated to deeply depressed can signal an impending crisis.
• Withdrawal from Activities: Pulling away from social interactions, neglecting responsibilities, or losing interest in previously enjoyed activities are red flags.

Physical Symptoms

• Self-Harm Injuries: Visible cuts, burns, or bruises from self-inflicted harm are clear indicators of a mental health emergency.
• Extreme Fatigue or Insomnia: Severe changes in sleep patterns, such as being unable to sleep for days or excessive sleeping, can accompany a mental health crisis.

Cognitive Symptoms

• Confusion or Disorientation: Inability to recognize familiar people, places, or tasks can indicate a severe mental health issue.
• Hallucinations or Delusions: Seeing, hearing, or believing things that are not real is a sign of a possible psychotic episode.

How to Respond to a Mental Health Emergency

If you suspect someone is experiencing a mental health emergency, it’s important to take immediate and appropriate action.

1. Stay Calm

Your calm demeanor can help de-escalate a tense situation. Speak in a soothing, reassuring voice and avoid making sudden movements or loud noises.

2. Assess the Situation

Determine if there is an immediate danger to the person or others. If they have access to weapons, dangerous objects, or substances, this increases the urgency.

3. Contact Emergency Services

In life-threatening situations, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Be clear and concise about the situation. If the individual is suicidal, violent, or unresponsive, let the dispatcher know.

4. Do Not Leave the Person Alone

Stay with the person until help arrives unless it puts you in danger. If you’re unable to stay, find someone who can.

5. Avoid Arguing or Judgment

Do not argue with the person or dismiss their feelings. Instead, listen actively and offer comfort. Statements like “I’m here for you” or “Help is on the way” can be reassuring.

What to Expect in a Mental Health Emergency Response

When emergency services arrive, they will assess the situation and determine the next steps. This may include:

• Transport to a Hospital: In many cases, the individual may be taken to a hospital for evaluation and stabilization.
• Involuntary Commitment: If the person is a danger to themselves or others and refuses help, they may be placed under involuntary commitment for their safety.
• Crisis Intervention Teams: Some areas have specialized crisis intervention teams (CIT) that include trained mental health professionals. These teams can provide more tailored care during a mental health emergency.

Preventing Mental Health Emergencies

While not all mental health crises can be prevented, early intervention and ongoing support can reduce the risk of emergencies.

1. Regular Mental Health Check-Ins

Encourage regular check-ins with mental health professionals, especially if someone is at risk of a crisis. Early treatment can help manage symptoms before they escalate.

2. Develop a Crisis Plan

For individuals with known mental health conditions, developing a crisis plan can be lifesaving. This plan should include:

• Emergency Contacts: List of people to call, including mental health professionals.
• Preferred Hospital or Treatment Facility: If the person has a preference, include this in the plan.
• Medications and Treatment History: Keep an up-to-date record of medications and past treatments.

3. Educate Family and Friends

Educate those close to the individual about the signs of a mental health emergency and how to respond. This can help ensure that the person gets the help they need quickly. Even knowing where mental health and addiction can stem from can help immensely.

4. Address Substance Use Issues

Substance use can exacerbate mental health conditions and lead to emergencies. Addressing any substance use problems early on can reduce the likelihood of a crisis.

Local Resources in Edina, Minnesota

For those in Edina, Minnesota, several local resources are available to support individuals during a mental health emergency:

• IntegroRecovery Clinic: We offer comprehensive mental health and addiction services, including crisis intervention and ongoing care.
• NAMI Minnesota: The National Alliance on Mental Illness provides resources, support groups, and educational programs to help individuals and families manage mental health issues.
• Hennepin County Mental Health Crisis Services: This service offers 24/7 support for mental health emergencies, including mobile crisis teams that can come to your location.

Conclusion

Mental health emergencies are serious and require immediate action. Recognizing the signs, knowing how to respond, and accessing the right resources can make all the difference in ensuring safety and well-being. At IntegroRecovery Clinic, we are here to support individuals and families in Edina, Minnesota, and beyond. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency, don’t hesitate to seek help. Early intervention can save lives.