● Be patient. ● Kindly announce actions before initiating them. ● Provide space. ● Do not make judgmental comments. ● Do not argue or try to reason with the person. It is not always possible to de-escalate a crisis, so it may be important to seek additional help through calling a therapist, reaching out to local mental health vans or services, or as a last resort, calling for law enforcement. It is best to first call someone who knows the person’s background and medical history such as a psychiatrist, clinic nurse, therapist, case manager, or family physician. They will be able to offer the most valuable advice to help the person through the crisis. If the crisis poses a life-threatening or dangerous situation, those helping should never hesitate to call 911 and be sure to tell them that the individual is experiencing a mental health crisis. They may be able to send someone trained to work with people with mental illnesses such as a crisis intervention training officer. CIT officers have specific training to recognize and de-escalate difficult situations involving people who suffer from a mental illness. After calling 911, medical/first responders and law enforcement may both become involved in the crisis. Once first responders or law enforcement arrive, decisions about the health and safety of the individual are their responsibility.
Oftentimes people are unprepared for a mental health crisis and not sure what to do to help in the situation. In a mental health crisis, the individual undergoing the crisis can show erratic behavior that shifts quickly from one state to another. There are some basic questions to ask in a mental health crisis: ● Is the person in danger of hurting themselves or others? ● Does the person need emergency assistance? ● As a helper, do you have the ability to call and get support from a mental health professional? ● Is this a repeating pattern? Although each mental health crisis is unique, there are certain techniques that can help to de-escalate a tense situation. Helpers should try to do each of these to help minimize any negative outcomes:
● Keep a calm voice. ● Do not overreact. ● Listen actively.
● Express support and concern. ● Avoid constant eye contact. ● Ask how they can help. ● Reduce stimulation. ● Move slowly. ● Offer options for the situation rather than controlling the situation. ● Avoid touching without permission.
Conclusion Mental illness is extremely common, affecting one in five adults in any given year. Although it can occur at any age, mental illnesses begin during adolescence. It is difficult for those with mental illness to speak up about their condition for fear of reprisal from their family, peers, or coworkers. Mental illnesses often go undiagnosed, and people turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate. Unfortunately, self- medication can have detrimental effects by triggering, compounding, or exacerbating symptoms.
WORKS CITED https://qr2.mobi/Salon_MentalHealth
Page 35
Book Code: NTNC0825
EliteLearning.com/Cosmetology
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