The first thing we all need to remember when someone is in a mental health crisis, is to get help immediately! Many people either don’t get the help that they need, are too ashamed to get the help they need, and sometimes they just don’t know where to start. Adding to this problem is a shortage of mental health professionals across the nation.
Talking to your primary care doctor or another health care professional can be a good place to start. They can point you in the right direction and help you make connections. Also remember to follow any individual treatment plans that may already be in place.
If you are having a mental health crisis or emergency, don’t wait for things to get worse. If you have an action plan, follow the steps in the plan. If you don’t have an action plan, follow the steps below:
Reach out to a friend or family member. If you aren’t sure that you need help or aren’t comfortable talking to a professional about the signs you’ve noticed, talk to a loved one. If you trust them, ask them to make the call for outside help. Friends and family are often the first to notice when you’re not feeling well. They can help you connect with mental health services, let your doctor or mental health provider know what changes they’ve noticed and help you navigate the mental health system. They can help you feel hopeful, able and confident.
The following link will open a list of mental health resources available to Jackson County residents… May 2017 Jackson County Mental Health Resource List
Contact your doctor or mental health provider. If you’re experiencing a lot of warning signs and feel like you’re nearing a crisis, or if you’re already experiencing a crisis, contact your doctor or mental health provider. They will know what to do to get you the help you need.
Contact your local crisis center. They are trained to help people experiencing a crisis and can connect you with local services, including emergency mental health services. In Jackson County, call 1-888-552-6642 to talk to someone about the issue. They’re available 24 hours a day.
Go to the nearest emergency room or call 911. If you are afraid of hurting yourself or someone else, or if no other options are available, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.
Source: Here to Help http://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/factsheet/coping-with-mental-health-crises-and-emergencies
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