How to Create a Mental Health Crisis Plan

Many people live with mental health problems. Mental health problems can be devastating for everyone involved with the patient. There are several different types of mental health issues, and there are different degrees of each mental health problem as well. Depending on the diagnosis and the degree of the illness, a patient may or may not be able to fully take care of them self. This means that they may not be able to follow doctors' orders, or recommendations given to them for better health. This means that a crisis can develop.

When a person is diagnosed with a mental illness, it is best to have a crisis plan in action should the patient begin to have problems. If it is a child with mental health problems, the school should be alerted and made aware of what to do should a crisis arise. Also, get family members involved. Ask them to be on-call to help if a problem comes up. Decide who will take action first by getting the patient to the doctor or hospital if there is a crisis. Have all phone numbers close at hand, such as the psychologist, the family physician, hospitals, and pharmacies. Pass them out to family members, and all parties who will be involved with the patient. Let the patient know who they should call first if they feel a crisis situation developing. Have them keep all pertinent phone numbers with them at all times.

Having a plan to get quick, medical attention if a mental health crisis develops is always best. With mental health issues, a crisis can happen without warning, but if family members are prepared for it, they can help the patient to get quick medical treatment. Without a plan, the problem can escalate and it can be devastating for everyone involved.