Creating a Mental Health Crisis Plan
Introduction
Mental health is an important aspect of overall well-being, and it’s important to prioritize it just as you would your physical health. Unfortunately, not everyone has access to the support and resources they need when dealing with a mental health crisis. This is why having a mental health crisis plan can be essential. A mental health crisis plan is a personalized guide that lays out the steps you should take in the event of a mental health emergency. In this article, we’ll explore how to create a mental health crisis plan that is tailored to your needs.
Why Create a Mental Health Crisis Plan?
A mental health crisis plan is a preventative measure that can act as a safety net when things become overwhelming. When you’re navigating a mental health crisis, it can be difficult to think clearly and take the steps needed to care for yourself. A crisis plan can help you feel more in control of the situation, and ensure that you have a support system in place. It also helps to communicate your wishes to others in case you’re not able to speak for yourself.
What Should Be Included in a Mental Health Crisis Plan?
Creating a mental health crisis plan should start by identifying specific triggers, warning signs, and coping strategies that work for you. This information forms the basis of your plan and helps you recognize when you need to take action. In addition to this, here are some elements that should be included in a mental health crisis plan:
Emergency contacts
One of the most important aspects of a mental health crisis plan is providing contact information for people who you trust and who can provide support in a crisis. This could include family members, friends, a therapist or psychiatrist, or crisis hotline staff. Make sure to include their phone numbers, email addresses, and any other relevant information.
Crisis resources
In addition to your personal contacts, it’s important to include a list of crisis resources in your plan. This can include local hospitals, crisis lines, and mental health clinics. Make sure to include their phone numbers, addresses, and hours of operation.
Treatment preferences
Your mental health crisis plan should also detail your treatment preferences. This includes any medication you take, the name and contact information of your medical provider, and information about any medical conditions you have. It can also include information about hospitalization or other treatments you prefer in the event of an emergency.
Safety plan
A safety plan is a crucial part of a mental health crisis plan. It details steps that you can take if you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsafe. This could include contacting a friend or support person, going to a safe location, or reaching out to a crisis helpline.
Self-care strategies
Self-care is an important part of managing mental health. Your crisis plan should include specific self-care strategies that work for you. This could include exercise, meditation, or creative activities. Incorporate these strategies into your plan and make sure you have access to the resources needed to utilize them.
How to Create a Mental Health Crisis Plan
Creating a mental health crisis plan can be a collaborative effort, and it’s important to involve the people who will be a part of your support network. Here are some steps to follow when creating your plan:
Identify your triggers and warning signs
The first step in creating a mental health crisis plan is identifying your specific triggers and warning signs. Triggers are things that lead to a mental health crisis, such as financial stress, relationship problems, or trauma. Warning signs are changes in behavior or mood that indicate you’re headed toward a crisis, such as changes in appetite, sleep patterns, or difficulty concentrating. Once you know what your triggers and warning signs are, you can develop coping strategies to manage them.
Create your safety plan
Your safety plan is a set of steps you can take when you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsafe. This should include contacting your support network, going to a safe location, or reaching out to a crisis helpline. Make sure to have the contact information for these resources on hand.
Identify your support network
Identify the people in your life who can provide support during a mental health crisis. This could include family members, friends, or mental health professionals. Make sure to provide their contact information in your plan.
Outline your treatment preferences
Your mental health crisis plan should include information about your preferred treatment. This includes any medication you take, the name and contact information of your medical provider, and information about any medical conditions you have. It can also include information about hospitalization or other treatments you prefer in the event of an emergency.
Identify your self-care strategies
Self-care is an essential part of managing mental health. Identify the strategies that work for you, such as exercise, meditation, or creative activities. Include these strategies in your plan and make sure you have access to the resources needed to utilize them.
Conclusion
Creating a mental health crisis plan can be an empowering process that gives you a sense of control during challenging times. It’s important to involve your support network in the process and tailor the plan to your specific needs. Remember that a mental health crisis plan is a preventative measure that can provide a safety net when things become overwhelming. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can take the first steps towards creating a comprehensive and effective mental health crisis plan.
FAQs
FAQs: Creating A Mental Health Crisis Plan
1. What is a Mental Health Crisis Plan and why is it important?
A Mental Health Crisis Plan is a written plan that outlines steps to follow in the event of a mental health crisis. It includes details on what to do, who to contact and where to go for help. It is important because it helps individuals with mental health conditions take proactive steps to manage crisis situations and ensure that they receive necessary help when needed.
2. Who should have a Mental Health Crisis Plan?
Anyone who has a history of mental health conditions, experiences stress or trauma, or has had suicidal thoughts should have a Mental Health Crisis Plan. It is also recommended for individuals who work in high-stress jobs, such as first responders or healthcare workers, who may be at greater risk of experiencing mental health crises.
3. What should be included in a Mental Health Crisis Plan?
A Mental Health Crisis Plan should include the individual’s emergency contacts, any medications or treatment plans, triggers that may lead to a crisis, coping strategies, and locations of nearby mental health services. It is also recommended to review and update the plan regularly to ensure that it reflects any changing needs or circumstances.
References
1. Campbell-Sills, L., & Stein, M. B. (2019). Mental health crisis management: A review of what should be done and what research tells us. Harvard review of psychiatry, 27(5), 259-268. (Campbell-Sills & Stein, 2019)
2. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2016). Creating a mental health crisis plan. SAMHSA. (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2016)
3. National Alliance on Mental Illness. (n.d.). Crisis planning. NAMI. Retrieved from https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Crisis-Planning (National Alliance on Mental Illness, n.d.)