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Have you ever wondered what happens when someone is hospitalized for suicidal thoughts, or how to best help a person going through a mental health crisis? Advocating for a loved one when they’re experiencing mental health difficulties can feel insurmountable. Fortunately, there are a lot of resources available to help you and your loved one on the road to recovery.
Recognizing Signs of a Mental Health Crisis
Roughly 1 in 25 adults have experienced a severe mental health issue at some point in their lives, and today, around 20% of the U.S. population is living with some form of mental illness. Someone experiencing a mental health crisis may lack the ability to articulate or even identify the way they’re feeling. Watch for these signs of a mental health crisis:
- Unpredictable behavior
- The inability to communicate their feelings to others
- Appearing withdrawn
- Acting out in a way that’s hurtful to themselves or others
A mental health crisis could be triggered by a traumatic or difficult event such as a bereavement, losing a job or the end of a relationship. Health issues, stress and changes in medication can also be triggers. However, not all mental health crises have an obvious cause.
Steps to Take When a Loved One Is in Crisis
If you’re unsure what to do for someone in a mental health crisis, it’s a good idea to trust your instincts. While some traumatic events can bring about an abrupt mental health crisis, some mental health struggles develop more slowly. If someone is encouraged to seek help early on, they’re that much more likely to get the support they need to cope with their challenges in a healthy way.
The first step is simply to talk to your loved one and listen closely to what they have to say. Try not to judge, blame or criticize them for the issues they’re facing. Next, encourage them to get help from a professional. Having someone to talk to is useful, but most people don’t really know how to help someone who is mentally unstable. Professional help from a psychologist trained in mental health crisis support can be invaluable.
The American Psychological Association stresses the importance of getting emergency help if you think someone is suicidal or might harm themselves or someone else. If you’re able to do so, take them to the emergency room or call emergency services. The medical staff at the ER have crisis training and can help keep your loved one safe.
What Happens When Someone Is Hospitalized for Suicidal Thoughts?
Some people find it helpful to know in advance what happens when someone is hospitalized for suicidal thoughts. Going to the hospital can seem like a drastic step, but it’s an important one and can help put your loved one on track to recover.
If you go to an emergency room, the first thing that will happen is a triage process. Those who are judged to have a relatively low risk of suicide will be referred to a local mental health professional. If the team believes you’re at a severe risk of self-harm or suicide, you’ll be admitted to an inpatient psychiatric unit. The care team there will interview you and assess the level of care you need.
As part of the triage process, the therapist will explain the options open to you, such as voluntary or involuntary hospitalization. The processes for hospitalization vary between states. Many people are nervous about involuntary hospitalization, but there’s no need to fear — they won’t keep you indefinitely. For someone to be committed, several doctors would need to independently agree that it’s the correct thing to do. Any commitment to involuntary hospitalization is only done for short periods.
The days of long-term commitments, such as those you see in movies, are long gone. Today, hospitals communicate clearly about the treatment being provided and focus on treating people who are in crisis without prolonging your stay any more than necessary.
Supporting and Advocating: Communicating with Care
For the loved one of a person experiencing a mental health crisis, it can be difficult to trust the recovery process, especially if the road to recovery feels longer or slower than you expected. If you or they have any concerns about the care your loved one is receiving, having someone from the National Alliance on Mental Illness advocate for them could be helpful. NAMI specializes in mental health and can help people at all stages of the recovery process.
Many people who are experiencing a mental health crisis find it hard to talk about what they’re going through or are scared they’ll be viewed differently by those close to them because of their struggles. Try to provide a safe and nonjudgmental space for them where they can talk freely and be listened to. Leave the door open for them to resume normal activities when they feel ready, and try not to blame them for being withdrawn or behaving in harmful ways. Setting healthy boundaries is important, but showing an understanding of their struggles will help them know they’re not alone and that the people around them do care.
Resources and Professional Help in Mental Health Emergencies
If you’re worried about someone close to you, there are many organizations that can provide support. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers free support for those who are experiencing a mental health crisis and the people who care for them. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention also offers advice and assistance for those struggling with suicidal thoughts.
In the long term, being open about mental health is important. If someone you care for is experiencing a mental health crisis, know that neither of you have to face it alone. Talk to a counselor at FHE Health to start down the path to recovery today.
