How To Help Someone In A Life Threatening Mental Health Situation
Mental health tends to be something we try to DIY. This is probably because of long standing stigma, a really complicated mental health treatment system, and extreme inequality when it comes to treatment access.
Just a heads up, I'm going to discuss suicide and death in this email + how to prevent it and get help. If you don't want to read about those topics right now, go ahead and close this or save it for later.
mental health conditions can be life threatening.
The reality is, taking care of our mental health and knowing how to support others is a life-saving prevention strategy.
Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the US.
In 2019, 47,511 Americans died by suicide.
Knowing how to help people who are struggling with their mental health is as important as knowing CPR.
how to tell if someone is in danger.
Here are some warning signs to look out for:
Hallucinations: Hearing voices or seeing things that are not there, especially when the hallucinations are suggesting self-harm or harm to others.
A desire to harm: if this person is threatening to physically harm someone else.
Suicidal thoughts: A preoccupation with or threats of suicide. If they have access to the means and/or a plan, the risk is very high.
Not able to care for themself: Declining to take care of basic needs, including sleep, eating, personal cleanliness, taking medications, or keeping up with their living space would indicate a mental health evaluation may be necessary and that there is potentially a threat to the person’s life.
Substance use: Excessive substance use that incapacitates a person or causes them to physically or emotionally harm others or themselves may be cause for concern.
When evaluating suicide risk, here are the common signs:
Talking about suicide — "I'm going to kill myself," "I wish I were dead" or "I wish I hadn't been born"
Planning and gathering what they need - buying a gun or stockpiling pills
Wanting to be left alone
Having mood swings, like being emotionally high one day and deeply discouraged the next
Preoccupation with death, dying or violence
Feeling trapped or hopeless about a situation
Increasing use of alcohol or drugs
Changing normal routine
Doing risky or self-destructive things, such as using drugs or driving recklessly
Giving away belongings or getting affairs in order when there is no other logical explanation for doing this
Saying goodbye to people as if they won't be seen again
Developing personality changes
how to support someone who is experiencing a mental health crisis:
Encourage them to call a suicide hotline number (US Number 800-273-8255)
Encourage the person to seek treatment.
Offer to help them get assistance and support.
Encourage them to communicate with you.
Be supportive and understanding, and express your opinions without blame.
Listen attentively and avoid interrupting.
Be respectful and acknowledge their feelings.
Don't try to talk the person out of his or her feelings or express shock.
Ask questions like, "What's causing you to feel so bad?" "What would make you feel better?" or "How can I help?"
Never promise to keep someone's suicidal feelings a secret.
Offer reassurance that things can get better.
Encourage them to avoid alcohol and drug use.
Remove potentially dangerous items from the person's home.
we can help each other.
If you want to learn more about
treatment options when someone is struggling
how to help someone navigate the treatment system
barriers to getting help and how to navigate them
things you can say or do when someone is experiencing a mental health crisis
& how to take care of yourself too...