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If your instincts tell you a situation is dangerous, it probably is.
If your instincts tell you a situation is dangerous, it probably is.
CALL 911 immediately.
CALL 911 immediately.
Talking is one of the best tools we have to promote healthy behavior and prevent harmful behavior. That doesn’t mean these conversations are easy. The resources below have been assembled from reputed sources in the area of child development, and they are presented here in order to provide you with options to consider when planning for tough talks. Credit: St. Croix River School District
TIPS FOR HANDLING A MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS
dO:
dO:
Act quickly if you see warnings signs
Remain calm
Assume any threat to self-harm is serious
Ask the person directly if he/she is considering suicide
Repeat to emergency responders his/her exact words
Describe specifically the behavior he/she is presenting
Keep the person sober
Hide vehicle keys or anything that could be used for self-harm
dON'T:
dON'T:
DON'T hesitate to call for help
DON'T allow firearms in the home
DON'T try to manage the situation on your own
DON'T shout or yell
DON'T leave the person alone
DON'T make sudden movements or smother the person
DON'T blame, threaten, or criticize the person experiencing the mental health crisis
TIPS FOR HAVING A CONVERSATION ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH
DO:
DO:
Listen without judgement
Ask, "How can I help?"
Let the person know you care
Validate his/her feelings
Reassure them he/she is not a burden
Listen with understanding
Be patient
Empathize
Follow up
Devote time to listening
DON'T:
DON'T:
DON'T try to fix the problem
DON'T interrupt
DON'T jump in with solutions
DON'T belittle his/her feelings
DON'T pressure him/her to speak
DON'T imply the feelings are a choice
DON'T try to diagnose
DON'T be critical or blaming
DON'T be scared to speak about feelings
DON'T be dismissive
WARNING SIGNS OF MENTAL ILLNESS
Talking about dying - mention of dying, shooting, jumping, or any other types of self-harm
Recent loss - includes recent deaths, loss of relationship or divorce, or job loss
Loss of interests - lowered interest in hobbies, friends, religious faith, sex, or activities previously enjoyed
Changes in personality - consistently apathetic, withdrawn, sad or irritable
Change in behavior - unable to complete daily activities, can't focus on school work
Change in sleep patterns - oversleeps or wakes up early, insomnia or nightmares
Change in eating habits - loses or gains weight due to loss of appetite or overeating
Low self-esteem - loss of self-worth, or feeling guilty, worthless, and useless
No hope for the future - thinking things won't get any better or things will never change
Violent or rebellious behavior, running away
Drug and alcohol use
Unusual neglect of personal appearance
Frequent complaints about physical symptoms, such as stomachaches, headaches, fatigue, etc.
Reading material about death and suicide
Failure to take care of self or follow medical orders
Stockpiling medications
Sudden interest in firearms
Social withdrawal or elaborate good-byes
Rush to complete or revise a will
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