1. What is a mental health crisis?

A mental health crisis is any situation which causes a person to feel like they cannot cope with what they are feeling, thinking or what is happening to them. When the mind gets overwhelmed, a person can reach the point where they feel no longer able to function in a healthy manner, this then causes a person a disconnect with their life in certain ways and, as such, the situation that the person is in could be considered to be a mental health emergency. The onset of a mental health crisis could also lead a person towards hurting themselves or others, or putting themselves at risk. A mental health crisis is also often known as a nervous breakdown, where a situation occurs that creates such demand on a person that they start to become physically and emotionally overwhelmed by the situation.

Scientists who have studied mental health believe that even though high stress levels and a strain on the coping mechanism is a normal reaction to a distressing situation, certain interventions could eliminate or decrease the potential for serious devastating psychological consequences to arise as a result of a mental health crisis. Therefore crisis intervention was developed as a way to help those in the community who are suffering from extreme stress and to help prevent the escalation of a mental health crisis.

2. What are the causes of a mental health crisis? 

There are various situations that can cause a mental health crisis to arise. The causes are usually stress related to some degree, and a person experiencing conflict at home, with loved ones, have experienced relationship breakdowns or if they have been exposed to trauma, or violence then they can often feel overwhelmed by the situation, not knowing how to feel or where to turn.. Stress can also be put onto ones self such as the inner desire to achieve, therefore feeling a high level of self pressure if an attempt at success fails. Stress caused by work or school and other environmental areas can lead to a mental health crisis. A mental health crisis can also arise when someone is experiencing severe health problems, they might feel unable to cope with the feelings brought on by being severely or even terminally ill.

Individuals who have been diagnosed with or have already previously experienced mental health problems are at greater risk of experiencing a mental health crisis. When a mental health crisis starts to occur, professional help is the best way to ensure that full support is provided to help address the underlying  issues.

3. What are the signs and symptoms of a mental health crisis?

Even though there is no standard way to tell if someone is experiencing a mental health crisis, primarily because we all think, feel and behave in different ways, there are still signs and symptoms that can help us understand, analyse and react to a potential problem with someone's mental health. Generally mental health issues, or the onset of mental illness, will display itself via changes in any thoughts, feelings, speech or action that the individual might be experiencing.

Each mental health issue or illness can have its own symptoms, however there are also a variety of common signs to look out for that can include:

• High levels of worry, anxiety or fear.
• Feeling continuously sad, low, depressed or consistent crying.
• Issues with confusion and  problems concentrating.
• Visible and often extreme changes in mood.
• Excessive feelings of irritability or anger.
• Feelings of helplessness.
• Avoidance issues such as avoiding work, people, socialising or talking.
• Poor sleep or too much sleep and still feeling tired, drained and run down.
• Very low levels of energy.
• In extreme circumstances, experiences of delusions or hallucinations.
• Overuse of substances like alcohol or drugs to mask a problem.
• Trouble with eating, poor appetite, stomach aches or over eating.
• Suicidal tendencies.
• Desire for self harm.
• Extreme feelings and thoughts associated with paranoia.
• Over concern with appearance, gender or body image.

A mental health crisis can also spark off changes in physical condition too and sufferers can often experience the following:

• Rapid heart rate.
• Sweats,
• Chills or headaches.
• Aching joints.
• Palpitations.
• Panic or anxiety attacks.
• Skin irritations.
• Hair loss.
• Tightness in the chest.
• Difficulty breathing.
  
  

4. What to do in the event of a mental health crisis?

The first thing to know is that you should not hesitate to reach out if you or someone you know needs help. The quicker you can get help, the quicker that the individual suffer can become well again.

A diagnosis can help as well as a immediate discussion with a Doctor, Counsellor, Therapist or utilising instant response such as the ALMA app.

You might be asked to describe symptoms, so knowing what signs are present can help in getting an accurate diagnosis to the specialist.

To begin with, when a person is experiencing the very beginning of the onset of a mental health problem, a mental health professional will use a diagnostic assessment format or tool to assess symptoms and make their diagnosis.

Following diagnosis, there are a variety of treatment plans that could include calming techniques such as meditation and yoga, talking therapies and continuous stage therapy to help change thoughts, feelings and behaviours such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), changes in lifestyle or medication. There is however, no “one size fits all” treatment and a combination of treatments from some of those listed above might be appropriate.

Support is also offered from the following in the UK:

• Talk to your GP or call the NHS. Call : 111.

• Download the ALMA app - an instant chat with a mental health expert.

• Talk to the Samaritans. Call : 116 123.

• Text SHOUT to 85258 (UK wide).

• Get help through your School, College or University.

• Contact a mental health charity such as www.mind.org.uk.

• Book an urgent NHS mental health referral.

• Talk to us at info@happymindsatwork.com for free advice.