Mental Health

A mental health crisis is any situation in which a person’s behavior puts them at risk of hurting themselves or others and/or prevents them from being able to care for themselves or function effectively in the community. Many things can lead to a mental health crisis. 

 Home or Environmental Stressors 

♦ Changes in relationship with others (boyfriend, girlfriend, partner, spouse) 

♦ Losses of any kind due to death, estrangement or relocation

♦ Conflicts or arguments with loved ones or friends 

♦ Trauma or exposure to violence 

School or Work Stressors

♦ Worrying about upcoming projects or tasks 

♦ Feeling singled out by co-workers/peers; feeling lonely

♦ Lack of understanding from peers, co-workers, teachers or supervisors 

♦ Real or perceived discrimination 

♦ Failing grades, losing a job 

Other Stressors

 ♦ Being in crowds or large groups of people

 ♦ Experiencing community violence, trauma, natural disasters, terrorism 

 ♦ Pending court dates

 ♦ Using or abusing drugs or alcohol 

 ♦ Starting new medication or new dosage of current medication 

 ♦ Treatment stops working 

 ♦ Stopping medication or missing doses

It’s important to know that warning signs are not always present when a mental health crisis is developing. Common actions that may be a clue that a mental health crisis is developing: 

♦ Inability to perform daily tasks like bathing, brushing teeth, brushing hair, changing clothes 

♦ Rapid mood swings, increased energy level, inability to stay still, pacing; suddenly depressed,   

   withdrawn; suddenly happy or calm after period of depression 

♦ Increased agitation verbal threats, violent, outof-control behavior, destroys property 

♦ Abusive behavior to self and others, including substance use or self-harm (cutting) 

♦ Isolation from school, work, family, friends 

♦ Loses touch with reality (psychosis) - unable to recognize family or friends, confused, strange  

   ideas, thinks they’re someone they’re not, doesn’t understand what people are saying, hears 

   voices, sees things that aren’t there 

♦ Paranoia

Mental Health Crisis De-escalation Strategies

• Speak in a calm voice

• Avoid telling the person to calm down

• Express support

• Offer options

• Do not touch the person without permission

• Suggest the person go for a walk or go to their safe place

Never be afraid to ask someone if they need help or what thoughts they are having.

The worst thing you can do is do nothing.

STARCare: Specialty Health System

806-740-1414

TOLL FREE:

800-687-7581

IDD CRISIS INTERVENTION SERVICES

Referral for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Monday-Friday – 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

806-224-4391

Referral can be made when police, medical or psychiatric services are not indicated.

FOR QUESTIONS OR MORE INFORMATION

806-740-1421

LOCAL CRISIS CONTACT NUMBERS

Child/Adult Abuse Hotline

800-252-5400

Children’s Crisis Line

806-252-2748

Lubbock Suicide Hotline

806-765-8393

TTU Psychology Clinic

806-742-3737