Mental health is just as important as physical health, but it is often overlooked. Sometimes, people go through difficult times and experience a mental health crisis. This could happen to anyone – a friend, family member, coworker, or even yourself. Knowing how to give support in mental health during those moments can really make a huge difference. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a professional since simple actions and words can comfort and care for others.
This blog will guide you through the basics of mental health first aid and how to help someone in crisis.
Understanding a Mental Health Crisis
Mental health crisis refers to that time when the individual feels some high-level emotional discomfort or is completely overwhelmed by their symptoms. It includes very severe anxiety, depression, and even a potential attempt to hurt themselves or die by suicide. Mental health care must recognize a mental health crisis so it can intervene early with proper support.
A crisis can prompt one to exhibit a behavior that appears abnormal or disturbing. They are often overwhelmed by feelings of fear and hopelessness, agitation, and confusion. Other times, they pull back from social activities or appear mumbling and incomprehensible. Understanding these is the first way of knowing what to do.
Mental Health First Aid: Basic Principles
When you see someone in a mental health crisis, your goal is to provide support in mental health without making the situation worse. Here are a few simple steps you can take to offer help:
Listen and Validate Their Feelings: Let the person know you are there for them. Listen to what they have to say without judging or offering advice right away. Being a good listener can help them feel heard and feel less alone. Sometimes, all someone needs is someone to say, “I understand you’re going through a tough time.”
Stay Calm: During a mental health crisis, the individual may feel scared or helpless. If you are calm and patient, they may feel better about the situation. Speak slowly and clearly. Do not raise your voice or express frustration. This will help ease the anxiety or panic they may be feeling.
Encourage Professional Help: If the person is open to it, encourage them to seek professional help. Offer to help them find a therapist or psychiatrist or help them make an appointment. Mental health care professionals can offer more specialized treatment and support. They have the knowledge and experience to help people through a crisis, and it’s important that the person receives that expert support when needed.
Take Safety Seriously: If you have concerns about a person’s safety, don’t wait to get additional help. If they are discussing attempting to harm themselves or others, contact a mental health professional or call emergency services. Their safety will always be your first priority.
Offering Support with Mental Health
For people in a mental health crisis, support is sometimes about showing someone care being there; even if you don’t know all the answers and are not necessarily a professional in the field, you are here to help and offer as much assistance as possible. Support with mental health encompasses many different facets, from basic listening to tangible help, like ensuring their safety or helping get them to see a doctor.
Sometimes, people dealing with a mental health crisis may not be ready to talk about their feelings, and that’s okay, too. In these situations, you want to stay present with them and reassure them that you’re there. When ready, you can gently encourage them to get the help they need.
Understanding Mental Health Issues and How to Respond
Mental health issues can take various shapes. While some people have anxiety, depression, or panic attacks, others face more severe conditions such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. The signs of various mental well-being issues can help you understand the problem and how to respond appropriately.
For instance, if a person is experiencing a panic attack, they would feel like they can’t breathe or are going to pass out. You could reassure such a person that everything is fine, encourage them to take deep breaths, and focus on relaxing. Second, a depressed person may feel hopeless and withdrawn, so support them with soft words and let them know you care about them.
If you are unsure how to help, do not hesitate to seek advice from a mental health professional. They can guide you on the best ways to support the person during their time of need.
Importance of Mental Health Care and Getting the Right Help
When someone is dealing with a mental disorder, professional mental health care is often necessary. While you can provide immediate support during a crisis, professional treatment is essential for long-term recovery. Mental health care includes therapy, counseling, and sometimes medication, which can help the person manage their symptoms and work toward healing.
At Karma TMS, we understand the importance of providing high-quality mental health care. Our professionals are trained to assist patients in dealing with different mental health issues associated with mental health, such as depression, anxiety, and trauma. Among the services offered is transcranial magnetic stimulation, a non-invasive treatment used for depression and other disorders in the brain. TMS has proven to be helpful in the treatment of those who do not respond to conventional treatments, and we are here to assist whoever needs our support.
Conclusion: Supporting Those in Need
Mental health first aid is a valuable skill that will help you provide care for a person experiencing a mental health crisis. Staying calm, listening, offering support, and encouraging professional help can make a huge difference in someone’s life. If you or your loved one is struggling with mental health issues or a mental disorder, do not hesitate to reach out for support.
Karma TMS is here to provide the professional care and guidance needed to help you or your loved ones recover and lead a healthier life. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.