ADANTA - Understanding Mental Health Crisis and Options to Help
By Tracie R . Horton , CEO / Executive Director The Adanta Group
Mental health disorders are common in the United States . According to the National Institute of Mental Health ( NIMH ), 1 in 5 adults , approximately 43.8 million or 18.5 %, experience a mental illness each year . 1 in 5 youth aged 12-18 ( 21.4 %) experience a severe mental health condition as some point during their life ; for children aged 8-15 that estimate is 13 %, and 46 % of homeless adults staying in shelters have a mental illness and / or substance use disorder . Despite the frequency in which mental illnesses occur , only a fraction of people will receive treatment and often only after experiencing a crisis . Learning that someone you know or care for has a mental health condition can be scary ; knowing how to help when that person experiences a crisis can be even more overwhelming .
What is a Mental Health Crisis ? 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 . There are several things that can lead to a mental health crisis including : loss , a traumatic event , changes in relationships ( breakups or divorce ), substance use , exposure to violence and feeling isolated or alone . A mental health crisis can show itself in a variety of ways . While there is usually not one specific thing which identifies an impending crisis , there are a few signs to look for :
• Thinking about ending your life or trying to end your life .
• Experiencing sensations that aren ’ t real and / or beliefs that can ’ t be true .
• Changes in mood , such as irritability , anger , anxiety or sadness .
• Becoming unable to care for yourself ( i . e ., neglect of personal hygiene ) and it ’ s putting you at risk of serious harm .
• Paranoia , including suspicion and distrust of people or actions without any
reason .
• Experiencing medication problems such as serious side effects .
• Decline in performance at work or school .
• Sudden withdrawal from routine activities and relationships .
• Becoming abusive to self and others , including substance use and self-harm ( ex . cutting ).
Seeking Help .
If an individual is in danger of hurting themselves , others or doing serious property damage , or if you believe the situation is or could become lifethreatening , call 911 . There are treatment options available for people in crisis and those treatment recommendations are different for each person .
• Voluntary Hospital Admission – is always preferable . When a person understands the necessity and benefit of hospitalization and is willing to participate , the process can be less stressful , and can open the door for beginning mental health treatment and prevention of future crisis situations .
• Emergency holds are another option in crisis situations and can be ordered by a physician ( and others such as law enforcement ) to temporarily confine the person in a secure facility such as a hospital . In Kentucky , the involuntary hold and evaluation process is initiated by filing petition for a 202A also known as a mental inquest warrant . During this process , an individual files a petition to the court outlining the reasons he or she believes the person in crisis is a danger . A Judge will review the petition and if authorized , law enforcement officials will pick the individual up and transport them for evaluation . The evaluating mental health professional will make a determination as to the appropriateness
34 • SEKY - Life in Southeast Kentucky March 2023