A mental health crisis means that a person’s feelings or problems are so strong that they cannot do what they need to do that day.
A mental health crisis may also mean that the person is at risk of hurting themselves or others.

Signs of a mental health crisis:

These are some common signs that the person you support may be having a mental health crisis:

• • Not able to do daily activities like bathing, brushing teeth, or changing clothes.
  • Changes in mood, increased energy level, or restless
  • Suddenly sad, withdrawn, not wanting to be around other people.
  • Angry, verbal threats, violent, destroying property.
  • Using drugs or other substances, self-harm like cutting, abusive behavior.
  • Not able to recognize family or friends, confused, strange ideas, thinks they are someone they are not, hearing voices, seeing things that are not there.

how long does a mental health crisis last?

Sometimes a crisis will only last a few minutes.
Sometimes a crisis can last for days or months.
It depends on how quickly the person is able to get help and the type of coping skills they have.
If a person is able to widen their resilient or “OK” zone they may be able to recover from a mental health crisis more quickly.
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What Should I do If I’m Having a Mental Health Crisis:

• • The most important thing to do in a crisis is to TELL SOMEONE.
  • If you tell someone else that you are in crisis, they can help you to work on a plan to feel better.
  • Start by talking to a person you trust like a parent, friend, support staff, or doctor. Be honest with them and tell them about thoughts you have been having.
  • If you need more help, you can talk to a professional by calling or texting the National Suicide Helpline at 9-8-8.
  • If you need immediate help to stay safe you should CALL 9-1-1.

How Can I Prevent a Mental Health Crisis?

It is helpful to plan how to handle a crisis before it happens.

Having a plan can help you to get through a mental health crisis more easily or even prevent a crisis from happening.

Your plan should include:

• • A list of triggers that may cause a mental health crisis.
  • Strategies to help you feel calm again.
  • Phone numbers for trusted adults and emergency providers.

A mental health professional can help you create a mental health crisis plan. They can also help you to learn and practice skills for managing your emotions.

What Is a Resilience Plan?

• • A resilience plan is sometimes called a self-care plan.
  • It is a way to help you widen your resilient or “OK” zone and have a plan for how to use the skills.
  • The resilience or self-care plan should have information about what it looks and feels like when you are being pushed toward the edges of your resilient or “OK” zone.
  • The resilience or self-care plan should have information about the resilience skills that are most helpful to you. This may include things like specific resources or gestures.
  • A resilience or self-care plan can also have information like what to do in a crisis situation.