Rehab Educates Community on Mental Health Crises

Columbus, OH - SUN Behavioral Health Columbus recently published a blog post outlining what a mental health crisis is and what someone should do in the event one happens. A mental health crisis is an overwhelming time that prevents someone from being able to function or puts them in danger of harming another person or themselves. Often, they might feel like nobody understands them. Mental health crises include thoughts or plans of self-harm or suicide, extreme mental health symptoms, hallucinations or delusions, feelings of worthlessness, not eating or sleeping for several days, being unable to function, or plans to harm someone else. During a crisis, stabilization from a mental health care professional is always required. If someone is experiencing these things, they should go to a 24/7 crisis care center immediately.

“Mental health crises can occur for a multitude of reasons, with many involving life circumstances. This can include scenarios such as divorce, losing a career, the passing of a loved one, and financial strain such as experiencing foreclosure or eviction. These events are already stressful, and when the person does not have a strong support system, a mental health crisis can develop. It is important to have people you can talk to during hardships to help relieve some of the stress and have support,” the blog post states.

A “mental health crisis” and a “mental health emergency” are often used interchangeably, but they mean different things. An emergency is when someone is actively trying to harm themselves or others. It can also indicate that they have a self-induced injury, like poisoning or a bullet wound. In the case of a mental health emergency, 911 should be called immediately. Mental health crises, on the other hand, include worsening symptoms, an indication something might happen, or a sign that adjustments need to be made to prevent an emergency.

People who experience a mental health crisis often have them appear out of nowhere, but in reality, they might have been trying to hide their circumstances to protect those around them, or they might feel ashamed or afraid to seek help. With that said, there might be behavioral changes that can indicate that someone might be experiencing one. These could include sudden or intense changes to their mood, isolating themselves, spending multiple days wearing the same clothes, giving away prized possessions, writing a will, or not neglecting their hygiene.

If a mental health crisis occurs, it is essential to remain calm and talk to the person to better understand what they are going through. Observe their behaviors and words. Reach out to them and call a crisis care center. Crisis care centers can treat, stabilize, and provide long-term care that prevents a mental health emergency and enables healing.

“Having crisis care accessible 24/7 is crucial to the safety of many community members. A recent study showed that people who have suicidal thoughts are 3 times more likely to die at night than they are during the day. Many places are not open in the evenings or at night when people need it the most. We are here for you. Our crisis care center is open in the morning, at night, and on weekends and holidays,” the blog post continues.

SUN Behavioral Health Columbus solves unmet needs in the community for both adolescents and adults. Their 24/7 crisis care is readily available, with compassionate professionals who can provide assistance and stabilization during a mental health crisis. People do not need to call them beforehand; their doors are open and ready to take anyone in. In addition, their no-cost care assessments enable them to work with patients and their doctors to determine the best treatment plan for their needs.

For more information, visit their website or call them at 614-706-2786. SUN Behavioral Health Columbus solves unmet needs.