When your loved one is in crisis
There are many different situations when your loved one may need help for a mental or emotional crisis.
For example, people in crisis may:
Suddenly start hearing voices and seeing images that are threatening or overwhelming;
Behave in a way that makes their own life, and the life of those around them difficult – yell at strangers in the street, get in the middle of a busy road, bang at walls and make loud noises that disturb their family and neighbors;
Stop going to work or school, or when they do, behave in ways that violate workplace/classroom rules;
Express a strong desire to end their own life;
Impulsively spend large sums of money on unnecessary things that they can’t afford and go into debt;
Become oversexual and so uninhibited that it creates discomfort in people around them.
Why your fear can become a self-fulfilling prophecy
Fear often breeds anger and more fear – these are the last things you and your loved one need when things are difficult. When we see that somebody close to us is scared by our words, we, in turn, become scared and stop sharing. Putting on a mask and hiding one’s feelings leads to a downward spiral.
This is how paranoia sometimes starts in people who were not paranoid before.
Sometimes, you – a friend or a family member – are the best person to help; at other times, you want to seek professional providers.
In some rare cases, the situation escalates out of control so suddenly that you feel compelled to seek emergency help here and now.
Before calling 911 or 988, or rushing to the ER, check if your municipality has drop-in peer respites, mobile crisis teams, or other specialized crisis services – usually, they are a much better option.
Every situation is different, but here are some general rules we find helpful for cases when a loved one is in crisis but not doing anything physically dangerous, like brandishing a knife or jumping into traffic.
Check for possible physical reasons of your loved one’s breakdown.
Some common cases are:
Sleep deprivation
Reaction to a chemical
Medication side effects
Withdrawal (abruptly stopping a legal or illegal psychotropic substance/medication)
State clearly what behaviors are unacceptable and seek together for safe alternatives.
Your loved one probably does not realize that they create problems for other people. This does not mean that you and others around your loved one should suffer.
Show love and compassion, not fear and anxiety
If your loved one behaves in a bizarre way, or says something really troubling, it may be easier said than done, but we are here to help you — read what other family members learned from experience.
To be continued. Visit us again for more tips, advice, resources and personal stories