THUNAIThe possibility of a crisis arising from a mental health issue is scary and we do not want this to happen.
But it does happen.
Here are some tips to prepare for a crisis and help your friend or loved one.
The first step is to develop a crisis plan with your suffering loved one. A therapist might help in this process. You can attend a meeting together with the therapist to help develop the plan.
Note down the following information in a notebook or in the notes app on the phone.
Phone numbers for your loved one’s therapist, psychiatrist and family doctor.
Local crisis line number for suicide help - SNEHA .
Phone numbers of family members or friends who would be helpful in a crisis.
Addresses of walk-in crisis centers or emergency rooms of hospitals nearby.
Your address and phone number(s). Teach your loved one how to use speed dial to dial your number.
Your loved one’s diagnosis and medications he/she is on.
Previous psychosis or suicide attempts.
Triggers - what to avoid. Lighting a stove, locking the front door etc.
10 calming things to do self-soothing.
Are there some previous successfully managed crises you can refer to to calm the person? Please keep a list of those situations and keep reminding him/her that this shall too pass.
Local Police station number.
Ask the survivor if he/she would like to share this plan with a few friends or family. These trusted individuals collectively form a support network which helps in recovery.
You can also work with the survivor to personalise different self-soothing or grounding techniques for him/her. Learning these skills will leave a person prepared if he/she gets triggered, and in moments of anxiety and stress.