You CANNOT prepare for everything. I often think maybe I should have been in the boy scouts because I like to be prepared for everything but it’s just not possible all the time. Sometimes you have to make a plan, have all your resources available and then wing it.
When you or a loved one has mental health illness it’s important to not only talk about what they are going through but how to handle a crisis. They may not be cooperative during a crisis so knowing what you as the caregiver is going to do is important so you can make the best decisions when they cannot.
Make a list of 3 things each of you will do in the event of a crisis.
- Try to calm them down, discuss ahead of time things that can and have helped in the past.
- Call a mental health hotline. The Suicide hotline is available 24/7 and available for anyone to talk – 1-800-273-8255
- If you cannot calm down the situation, go to a local crisis center. If you cannot get them to go, call 911. Although the paramedics may not be the most sympathetic, they do have the resources to help.
I’m not a doctor or licensed therapist. As always in the event of an emergency, dial 911.
Stylishly Shelby 