Recognizing the Warning Signs of a Mental Health Crisis

What is a Mental Health Crisis?

Would you be able to spot the signs of a mental health crisis? In today’s fast-paced world where we can doom-scroll to despair, it can be hard to maintain your mental health. In this article, we’ll look at the warning signs of a mental health crisis and how the Lindner Center of HOPE can help in a mental health emergency.

If a person’s mental state places them in a position to potentially hurt others or themself, they may be having a mental health crisis. A mental health emergency can take the form of:

Warning Signs of a Mental Health Crisis

While everyone may have a different experience, these are some of the common signs of a mental health crisis.

  • Intense Emotional Distress: A person may exhibit extreme emotional distress. This can be overwhelming sadness, anger or fear.
  • Isolation: Stepping away from social activities can be a sign of a deeper mental health issue.
  • Changes in Behavior: This could include an inability to complete tasks at home and work, changing sleep patterns or a shifting appetite.
  • Expressing Suicidal Thoughts: This is a critical warning sign and should never be ignored.
  • Loss of Touch with Reality: Hallucinations, delusions or other psychotic symptoms.
  • Decline in Treatment Success: If a person is suddenly unable to benefit from other treatment types.

What to Do in a Mental Health Crisis or Emergency

If someone you love is having a mental health crisis, these four steps may help.

  1. Stay Calm: Staying calm is crucial. Panic can make the situation worse.
  2. Listen: Allow the person to express their feelings without judgment. Validating their emotions can provide a sense of support.
  3. Encourage Professional Help: Suggest reaching out to mental health professionals. These could be therapists, counselors or psychiatrists at the Lindner Center of HOPE.
  4. Contact Emergency Services: In cases of immediate danger, call in professional help. 
  • Dial 988 – Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
  • Dial 911 – Emergency Services

Psychiatric Inpatient Hospitalization at Lindner Center of HOPE

When immediate intervention is necessary, psychiatric inpatient hospitalization can be a lifeline. Lindner Center of HOPE’s acute inpatient care facilities specialize in providing comprehensive inpatient programs for mental health emergencies. If you experience the warning signs of a mental health crisis, the team at Lindner will create a personalized treatment plan to help you on the road to recovery.

Assessment and Stabilization

Lindner Center of HOPE gives assessments by multidisciplinary teams to understand an individual’s needs. The team also provides stabilization services to ensure safety while a treatment plan is created.

Comprehensive Treatment

Patients benefit from a range of evidence-based therapies like group therapy, medication management and individualized discharge planning.

Holistic Approach

Recreational Therapy is a daily part of care at Lindner Center of HOPE. Recreation therapy groups and activities focus on leisure skill development, coping skills, relaxation and stress management. These skills enhance independent functioning and improve quality of life. Learn more about Recreational Therapy here.

There is HOPE. For help, call 513-536-HOPE (4673) or 1-888-537-4229. Or click here to contact us.