What to Do When Your Loved One Is in Crisis: Part One - Katherine Campbell, LPC/MHSP
When someone you love is experiencing a mental health crisis, it can feel as though your entire world has been shaken. During these difficult times, it’s important to focus on two main goals: 1. Ensuring the safety of your loved one, and 2. Caring for your own well-being. Let’s delve into how you can prioritize their safety and support yourself along the way.
Goal 1 – Keeping Your Loved One Safe
You may wonder, “How will I know if they’re in crisis?” Often, a person in distress will openly express their feelings of anxiety, depression, or thoughts of self-harm. At times, you may notice significant changes in their behavior—shifting from healthy habits to more concerning actions like impulsivity, risky behavior, substance use, or even signs of psychosis. When you recognize these warning signs, it’s vital to take action. Reach out to professionals by calling 988 or 911, as well as their therapist or medical provider. Additionally, lean on your support system, including friends and family, to aid you and your loved one through this difficult time. Remember, keeping your loved one safe often requires a team effort involving mental health providers, medical professionals, and additional supporters.
It’s likely that your loved one will need to seek inpatient care at a mental health facility, which may begin with a 3-day hold to stabilize their physical and emotional needs. Understandably, this can be an emotionally challenging time, as you may not be able to communicate with or see them during those initial days. Trust that they are in capable hands, working towards stabilization. After this period, their treatment team will reach out to discuss the next steps and ongoing outpatient treatment. It’s crucial to remember that being discharged from inpatient care doesn’t signify the end of their crisis; rather, it marks the beginning of a new path toward healthier living.
Depending on your loved one’s unique needs, they may benefit from various ongoing treatment options after stabilization, such as intensive outpatient programs (IOP), individual therapy, medication management, detoxification, group therapy, or family therapy. Your support will be essential during this journey, but it’s important to develop a balance. Providing assistance, like helping them stick to a schedule or reminding them about their medications, can be beneficial. However, it’s vital to avoid micro-managing their choices, as this can impact their sense of autonomy and affect your relationship.
If you’re concerned your loved one isn't making healthy decisions, consider having an open and compassionate conversation with them, perhaps alongside a professional such as a counselor or physician. If unhealthy choices persist, engaging a professional can help navigate the next steps, which might include another round of inpatient care, detox, hospitalization, or legal action. Bringing in trusted family members or friends for support can also provide additional strength for you and your loved one.
When individuals engage in their treatment and embrace healthy lifestyle changes, the prospects for both them and you can become brighter and more sustainable. However, it’s also important to acknowledge that sometimes choices may lead to significant consequences that can be difficult for everyone involved. During this time, prioritizing your own well-being, establishing healthy boundaries, and maintaining close contact with your support network will be essential. In part two, we’ll explore ways to care for yourself through this journey.
