A crisis in mental health refers to a persons reaction to a traumatic situation or event.
People respond to crises in different ways, but there is no right way to react.
What Is a Crisis?
Justin Case / Getty Images
There are different ways to define a crisis, depending on who you ask.
These are common kinds of crises, but theyre not the only key in.
Losing your job, getting divorced, or being involved in an accident are more obvious kinds of crises.
If youre already working with a mental health provider, let them know whats going on.
Ask What Do I Need?
Being in a crisis can make your perspective wonky, and the confusion can even lead to memory issues.
Ask yourself what you need right now.
Are you in an unsafe situation that you gotta get out of?
What Is Crisis Counseling?
Offer them support and encouragement but dont give themunsolicited advice.
Just be present and open while your loved one shares how theyre feeling.
Let them know that you are there for them.
National Interagency Fire Center.What is a crisis?.
Caplan, G. (1961)Prevention of Mental Disorders in Children.New York: Basic Books.
2017;17(1):130. doi:10.1186/s12888-017-1293-3
Ohio State University.2.2 Social Development: Eriksons Eight Psychosocial Crises.
In: Foundations of Educational Technology.
2016;29(5):466-473. doi:10.1002/jts.22128
NAMI.What to do in a crisis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Helping patients cope with a traumatic event.
2018;10:285298. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S161840
NAMI.Navigating a mental health crisis.
American Psychological Association.How to help in an emotional crisis.
