10 Essentials to a Mental Health Crisis Plan

Keegan Warrington
July 25, 2022

Mental health is one of the most important things to take care of. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 1 in 5 adults in the United States experiences mental illness in a given year. That means that mental health should be something that everyone takes seriously.

One way to do that is to create a mental health crisis plan. This plan outlines what you should do if you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis.

What Is A Mental Health Crisis Plan?

A mental health crisis plan is a document that outlines what you should do if you or someone you love is experiencing a mental health crisis. This plan can be created by you or with the help of mental health professional.

A mental health crisis plan aims to guide how to overcome a difficult time. This plan can include who to contact for help, what resources are available, and how to take care of yourself during a crisis.

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Why Create A Mental Health Crisis Plan?

You might want to create a mental health crisis plan for many reasons. Maybe you’ve experienced a crisis in the past and want to be prepared for the future. Or perhaps you live with a mental illness and want to be as prepared as possible.

Creating a mental health crisis plan can also help if you’re struggling to cope with day-to-day life. A project can give you a sense of control and peace of mind.

What Should Be Included In A Mental Health Crisis Plan?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The contents of your mental health crisis plan will depend on your unique situation. However, there are some key elements that all plans should include:

how to make a mental health crisis plan

1. Understand Your Triggers

Sometimes, when people feel down, certain activities or situations can worsen their mental health. These triggers can be different for everyone. For example, some people may find that being around large crowds makes them anxious, while others may find drinking alcohol exacerbates their depression.

It’s important to know what your triggers are so you can avoid them or have a plan for how to deal with them if you can’t avoid them.

2. Know Your Support System

A vital part of a mental health crisis plan is a support system. This could be friends, family, co-workers, or a therapist. These are the people you can rely on for help and understanding.

3. Have A List Of Emergency Contacts

Your mental health crisis plan should also include a list of emergency contacts. You can call these people if you’re in danger or in need of immediate help. This could be a suicide hotline, your therapist,  a friend, or a family member.

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4. Identify Early Warning Signs

Some people have early warning signs that a mental health crisis is coming. It’s important to know what these are so you can take action to prevent the crisis or get help early on.

5. Have A Plan For How To Get Help

If you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis, it’s essential to have a plan for how to get help. This could include making an appointment with a therapist, going to the emergency room, or calling a hotline.

6. Know Your Rights

Mental health crises can be scary and confusing. It’s important to know your rights to advocate for yourself or others. For example, in the United States, you have the right to refuse psychiatric medication and to receive treatment in your preferred language.

7. Have A List Of Resources

Your mental health crisis plan should also include a list of helpful resources. This could be websites, books, hotlines, support groups, or therapy programs.

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8. Make Sure Your Documents Are Up To Date

If you have a mental illness requiring medication or treatment, it’s important to ensure your documents are up to date. This includes your will, power of attorney, and advance directives. These documents can help ensure that your wishes are followed if you cannot make decisions for yourself.

9. Plan For What Will Happen After The Crisis

It’s important to plan what will happen after the mental health crisis is over. This could include making an appointment with a therapist, taking time off from work, or changing your lifestyle.

10. Practice Self-care

Self-care is an essential part of any mental health crisis plan. This includes getting enough sleep, eating healthy meals, and exercising. It can be difficult to take care of yourself when you’re in a crisis. But, if you have a plan in place, it can make it easier to stick to your self-care routine.

11. Avoid Substance Abuse

Substance abuse can worsen your health problems and make it harder to recover from a mental health crisis. Getting help from a treatment program is important if you’re struggling with addiction.

mental health crisis

12. Seek Professional Help

If you feel like you’re in a state of a mental health crisis, it’s important to seek professional help. This could include making an appointment with a therapist or going to the emergency room.

Conclusion

Making a plan can be overwhelming. But, by taking things one step at a time, you can create a plan that will work for you. And, if you ever need assistance, having a plan in place can make it easier to get the help you need.

We at Roots TMS offer comprehensive mental health services to help you through tough times. If you or someone close to you is struggling, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We have a team of experts who can help you create a tailored mental health plan. And we offer a variety of therapies, including TMS therapy and mental health services, that can help you recover. Contact us today to learn more.

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Keegan Warrington