Although mental health is a common topic in our fast-paced societies, many people are still not well-informed. Most times, people limit having unstable mental health to being depressed or being suicidal.  However, the possibilities are endless.

In this article, we will help you understand what a mental health crisis is, the signs of a mental health crisis, and how you can remedy the situation.

What is a Mental Health Crisis?

A mental health crisis is a situation where a person reaches their mental breaking point. It usually occurs when they’re going through major changes like grief; losing a job, loved one, or pet; financial problems, a toxic workplace, childbirth, et cetera.

Mental health crisis isn’t limited to only adults. Anyone can suffer a mental health crisis.

How Do You Identify a Mental Health Crisis?

Mental health crises go beyond having a scary breakdown as some crises are immediate while others aren’t. If your peace of mind is constantly threatened by anything, you should be concerned.

Before a mental breakdown occurs, several things must have threatened your mental health. Bit by bit, they build up until they poof! one day and become a full-blown crisis.

To get to the root of the problem, examine the happenings around you: What has changed in your life? What is always on your mind? What has changed recently? You should also look out for signs of:

• Anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Neglect of personal hygiene
• Changes in sleeping habits.
• Weight loss or weight gain.
• Irritability and mood swings
• Suicidal thoughts
• Hallucination
• Thoughts of self-harm
• Paranoia

If you are already experiencing the signs listed, you should reach out to the nearest mental wellness center in your neighborhood.

Ways to Seek Help During a Mental Health Crisis

To start with, sometimes, you may not know that you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, but if you notice any of the signs highlighted above, don’t overlook them. Here are 5 ways to seek during a mental health crisis:

● Seek professional help

Seeking professional help doesn’t mean you’re nuts. A psychologist or therapist is trained to listen to you, help you understand your emotions, find closure, and improve your mental health.

You can reach a therapist by going to a mental health care clinic around you. We can also help you to connect with mental health specialists that will cater to your needs. Local counseling units in your environment are also a good place to look. And if you don’t fancy physical therapy, you can look for online therapy apps.

● Find a support group

A support group is a gathering of people who share similar problems and work towards solutions together.

There are support groups for alcoholics, cancer patients, people with anger issues, parents of kids with disabilities, et cetera. Joining a support group would help you find closure because you’d meet people who experience the same things you do. You’d realize that, regardless of what you might be going through, you are never alone.

●  Open up to your loved ones

It’s easy to be misunderstood when you begin to exhibit behavioral changes. You could lash out at any time and be misinterpreted. Hence, people around you need to know the condition of your mental health.

Family support + friends support = emotional support. In times when you feel like giving up, they’d be the ones to motivate you. They’d also make sure that you don’t feel alone.

 

●  Keep information about mental health institutions handy

Most countries have mental health institutions in place for emergency purposes. So, you should be intentional about knowing their contact information. Numbers like 911 should be on your speed dial in case of any emergencies.

If you’re unable to get through to a mental health institution, then you should have at least two trusted people’s numbers on speed dial.

●  Practice self-care

Most people think that the idea of self-care is just about spending extravagantly — going on trips, going on a shopping spree, a spa date, and all. But, having a self-care plan in place can significantly help improve your mental health, physical health, and emotional well-being.

Self-care routines like good nutrition, regular exercise, resting at appropriate times, meditation, visiting a new place, and following a treatment plan for mental wellness can contribute to your overall mental well-being.

Final Words

Protecting your mental health is necessary; mental health is delicate, and if you’re not fit mentally, it’d affect every other aspect of your life. So, if you experience signs of a mental health crisis, seek help ASAP. We are readily available to help you connect with mental health specialists. Remember: you are never alone!