A mental health crisis can affect our social, mental, emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing. But how do we know whether we are in crisis or someone we know is in crisis and what do we do about it? Mrs. B was a woman I outreached many years ago. I initially received the call because she was feeling overwhelmed and needed resources for support in caring for her 94 year old mother who suffered from Dementia. Mrs. B had been seeing a therapist years before for mild Depression but stopped due to feeling much better and wanting to focus on caring for her mother. At the time that I saw her (which was 2 years later) Mrs. B had stopped eating meals, taking showers and getting decent sleep because she felt guilty taking time for herself instead of focusing on her ailing mother. Mrs. B was hospitalized and her mother was transferred to a care home where she could obtain the help the she needed.
Over the many years that I have worked in Crisis Intervention I have recognized that individuals in crisis like Mrs. B often wait too long before reaching out for support. Many of us go about our days believing that we have the tools, know-how and strength we need to overcome the challenges we are presented. But when a sudden change occurs most of us try to bulldoze our way through leaving a mess of emotions and risking our wellbeing rather than acknowledging we are in need.
These five scans I hope will help you to identify whether you (or someone you know) are experiencing a crisis.
- Body Scan- take a moment with yourself to examine how you are doing physically. Are you noticing any weight loss or gain, more tired than usual, less energy, bowel or digestive disturbances, increased health issues? Drug or alcohol use?
- Mind Scan-take a moment to examine your mind. Can you focus on tasks, make decisions, remember things, and stay organized? Are you experiencing negative thoughts about yourself, your life or others? Thoughts of suicide, homicide or giving up?
- Emotional Scan-take a moment to examine your feelings. Do you find yourself more anxious or depressed, hopeless and overwhelmed, moody or sensitive, insecure and less confident?
- Social Scan-take a look at your social interactions. Are you avoiding people, isolating? Have others expressed concerns about your wellbeing? Do you shun those who reach out to support you? Are your relationships in conflict?
- Spiritual Scan-consider your spirit? Have you noticed a change in your ability to accept and be present? Are you less motivated and driven? Do you feel lost and without purpose? Is it hard to empathize or be compassionate with others?
Completing this self-scan should provide you with a more informed evaluation of whether you or someone you care about are going through a crisis. If there is evidence in more than two of these scans it is time to consider Crisis Management. Crisis Management does not have to be done alone get help! A qualified Mental Health professional could assist in a planned approach to better managing the crisis with you. If there are thoughts of hurting yourself or others see a doctor immediately or call 911.
Do I have to go to therapy? No. But it does help. When we are in crisis it can be difficult to see through the gray area that we are in (indecision, negative thinking and emotions). Having a therapist as a neutral, unbiased party in a safe environment to bounce your thoughts, ideas and solutions with can only set you up for a quicker resolution (without all the mess). Mrs. B got the help she needed and was able to ease into the changes in her life, but not everyone does. Early detection of a crisis situation can mean life or death; don’t hesitate to obtain help when needed.
If you or someone you know is in crisis please call the Lifeline: 1-877-273-8255 or visit: www.oahupshawaiitaskforce.org for more resources.
