Stress, anxiety, depression, and despair – with everything going on in the world, and in our own backyards, mental health problems are on the rise.
Whether you’ve been dealing with an ongoing mental health condition, or current circumstances have triggered symptoms of mental illness, you’re far from alone.
But what do you do when your symptoms feel out of control? When you’re struggling to eat, sleep, shower, or engage with friends or family? When you feel completely hopeless, helpless, or overwhelmed?
If you find yourself feeling this way, you may be experiencing a mental health crisis – intense emotional distress requiring professional support. In this blog, we’ll explain what to do in a mental health crisis, how to spot the signs and symptoms, and where to find help when you need it the most.
Signs of a mental health crisis
A mental health crisis will look different for everyone. For some, it’s a build-up of negative emotions that haven’t been dealt with, while others may experience a mental health crisis after a traumatic event.
Whatever the cause, here are some of the most common signs of a mental health crisis:
Physical symptoms
- Change of appetite: Rapid weight loss or weight gain due to overeating or loss of appetite.
- Fatigue and difficulty sleeping: A chronic weariness, whether you’re sleeping too much, or hardly sleeping at all.
- Unusual aches: Frequent stomach aches, headaches, or other pains.
- Chronic tension: An inability to fully relax.
- Panic attacks: A racing heart, tight chest, nausea, or shortness of breath.
Behavioral signs
- Neglecting personal hygiene: Putting self-care on the back burner, skipping showers, brushing your teeth, or washing your clothes.
- Missing work or school: Avoiding commitments like school, work, or social engagements.
- Loss of interest in activities: Struggling to find pleasure in the things you once enjoyed.
- Neglecting relationships: Self-isolation – or pushing away the people you care about – may be a red flag that your mental health is in crisis.
- Risky behavior: Substance abuse, reckless driving, impulsive gambling, etc.
- Difficulty concentrating: Struggling to stay focused, remember important details, or make decisions throughout the day.
Emotional symptoms
- Intense mood swings: From deep despair to extreme irritability to totally numb in a relatively short amount of time.
- Overwhelming anxiety or sadness: Excessive worry or a heavy sense of hopelessness that impacts daily living, affects sleep, and feels uncontrollable.
- Suicidal thoughts or self-harm: If you’ve ever considered harming yourself, it’s a mental health emergency and you should call 988 immediately.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you may be experiencing a mental health emergency. Read on to learn what to do if your mental health is in crisis, and find out how to get the help you need.
What to do in a mental health crisis
It can be scary when you – or someone you care about – are going through an emotional crisis. But there are steps you can take to get help.
Assess the situation
Are you at immediate risk of harm to yourself or others? If yes, call 988 immediately. If not, determine whether you can regain your sense of calm on your own, reach out to a friend or family member for support, or proceed to a nearby mental health urgent care facility.
Remain calm (if possible)
We know this is easier said than done when you’re in emotional distress, and depending on the symptoms you’re experiencing, you may need additional support to help you calm yourself and regain composure. Deep breathing exercises or using the 5-4-3-2-1 method can help you stay grounded until support arrives.
How to find mental health crisis help near me
When you’re ready to reach out for help, try the following:
- Contact a family member or trusted friend and explain what you’re going through.
- Speak to your therapist, or seek one out to get ongoing mental health care.
- Visit your local Crisis Receiving Center for urgent mental health support.
- Call a crisis lifeline for immediate help. Call or text 988 for immediate support with mental health problems, suicidal thoughts, or substance abuse issues. To contact the Crisis hotline, text HOME to 741741 and get connected with a licensed counselor.
In extreme situations – if you or a loved one are in immediate danger – you may need to visit the emergency room. But in most cases, the mental health resources above can give you the help you need when you’re in crisis.
Mental health crisis prevention
You won’t always be able to “avoid” a mental health crisis – sometimes things happen in our lives that we have no control over, and our mental health can plummet as a result. But there are some steps you can take to improve your overall mental well-being, helping you manage your mental health on a day-to-day basis.
Understand your triggers
Different things will trigger responses, like work-related stress, spending too much time online, negative news consumption, or general overwhelm. Knowing what may impact your mental health – and being aware of the signs and symptoms we listed above – can help you mitigate mental health issues before they spiral into a crisis.
Practice self care
Making lifestyle changes – like getting a little exercise, sticking to a regular eating and sleeping routine, meditating, or switching off social media before bed – can help keep crisis at bay.
Reach out to others
A solid support network of family or friends can make a huge difference when mental health issues start to escalate. And sometimes, it can help to connect with people who understand exactly what you’re going through. Look for an online community or support groups, like Facebook Groups or Reddit forums like r/MentalHealthSupport to connect with people who get it.
Get professional help
Whether you’ve been struggling with mental illness for a while, or you’re worried you might be headed toward a crisis, consider speaking with a mental health professional for guidance and healthy coping strategies.
Western Tidewater can help
Whether you’re reeling from sudden trauma, or dealing with chronic mental health issues, you don’t have to face a mental health crisis on your own. With the support of our dedicated team of mental health professionals, you can get the urgent care or ongoing support you need.
WTCSB provides comprehensive services, including mental health support and crisis services in Suffolk, Franklin, Southampton County, and Isle of Wight County.
Get in touch today or visit our 24/7 Crisis Receiving Center if you need immediate assistance.
