Mental health crises can be devastating to those going through them. If you or a loved one is at risk, recognizing the biggest signs that someone might be dealing with a mental health challenge is critical.
The first step in identifying warning signs is knowing what they are and how they present themselves. Here’s what you need to know about the symptoms of a mental health crisis and how to spot them in yourself and others.
Understanding the Concept of a Mental Health Crisis
An estimated 20% of American adults live with a mental illness. These illnesses vary in terms of severity — symptoms can range from mild to completely debilitating. When a condition’s severity suddenly increases, it could indicate a mental health crisis.
Mental health crises are highly disruptive. Experiencing mental turmoil can make it hard to function normally and may render your typical coping methods ineffective. For those who know they suffer from a mental illness, a crisis marks a sudden worsening of existing conditions.
The triggers for a mental health crisis vary for each person. Loss, traumatic events or a change in mental health treatment can all lead to a worsened condition. Those with preexisting conditions or recent economic losses are typically more susceptible to crises.
The terms “mental health crisis” and “mental health emergency” are often used interchangeably, although their meanings differ. A mental health emergency generally refers to a life-threatening situation. A crisis, while distressing, usually doesn’t mean a person is in immediate danger of harming themselves or others.
While a mental crisis isn’t directly life-threatening, it can lead to an emergency if left untreated. This makes it important to address crises before they become dangerous. Identifying the signs of suffering is the first step toward taking action.
8 Biggest Warning Signs of a Mental Health Crisis
Just as mental illness presents differently in each person, indicators of a mental health crisis vary widely. Still, there are some tell-tale signs that can help you recognize the need for intervention.
Familiarizing yourself with the following signs can help you identify a developing crisis and seek assistance before it becomes too severe.
1. A Desire to Cause Harm
The most critical and biggest sign that someone might be dealing with a mental health challenge is a desire to harm themselves or others. This desire marks a severe mental crisis that may turn into an emergency. Plans or attempts to act on such urges require immediate attention, ideally from a mental health professional.
2. Changes in Behavior
Behavioral symptoms can affect your ability to function normally. Working, taking care of yourself or even getting out of bed can seem like impossible tasks. When experiencing a mental health crisis, you may start engaging in risky or out-of-control behavior or become abusive toward yourself or others. Withdrawing from previously enjoyable activities is another common symptom of mental health crises. You may also isolate yourself from those around you, including close friends and family.
3. Emotional Red Flags
Sudden emotional shifts are often a forewarning of a developing mental health crisis. You might experience mood swings or grow furious at the slightest inconvenience. On the other hand, you may experience feelings of sadness or despair that you can’t shake off. A feeling of pointlessness is also a common warning sign, especially when coupled with suicidal ideation.
4. Cognitive Issues
Cognitive issues are less physically painful, but just as debilitating. They can include excessive worrying, fear or paranoia. In some cases, hallucinations or delusions can occur, making it difficult to perceive reality. Similarly, you might experience a prevailing sense of confusion or disorientation, making it hard to focus even for short periods.
An inability to recognize changes in your feelings or behavior is another warning sign. This symptom can be hard to identify on your own, making it even more vital to develop a strong support system.
5. Changes in Diet
An individual’s mood and mental health has a profound impact on their eating patterns, with recent studies showing a link between gut and mental health. For many people, significant changes in eating patterns can indicate mental distress. This may mean eating more than normal; it can also mean skipping meals and unintentionally reducing overall food intake.
In some cases, these dietary changes can lead to unintended weight gain or weight loss. While changes in body weight can arise from a myriad of factors, they may be a warning sign of mental distress if they accompany other symptoms.
6. Excessive Drug or Alcohol Use
For many people, professional mental health care can feel out of reach, especially during a mental health crisis. Unfortunately, recreational substances such as alcohol or drugs can seem like a more accessible coping tool, temporarily numbing feelings of sadness, stress, boredom or burnout. An increase in reliance on recreational substances can indicate that the individual needs mental health support.
7. Changes in Sleep Patterns
Many studies have showed the close connection between mental health and sleep, finding a cyclical relationship between our mental wellness and the quality of sleep we get. One sign of an impending mental health crisis is significant changes in sleep patterns. For some, this may mean they can’t quiet their minds enough to enjoy restorative sleep on a regular basis. On the other hand, some people experiencing mental distress sleep considerably more than what’s normal for them.
If you suffer from a mental illness, you may already experience some of the above issues. The onset of new symptoms or a sudden worsening of existing ones can signal an approaching crisis. Staying alert to the subtler signs of an impending crisis may also help prevent the development of more severe symptoms.
8. Changes in Daily Habits
Conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder and generalized anxiety disorder can have a serious impact on the way an individual perceives the world. For someone viewing day-to-day activities, annoyances and obligations through a lens of trauma or fear, maintaining regular functioning can be challenging. If someone begins to change their daily routine or go out of their way to avoid certain places or activities, they may be experiencing mental distress that requires professional help.
If you suffer from a mental illness, you may already experience some of the above issues. The onset of new symptoms or a sudden worsening of existing ones can signal an approaching crisis. Staying alert to the subtler signs of an impending crisis may also help prevent the development of more severe symptoms.
Taking Action: Support and Resources for Mental Health Crises
Recognizing the signs of an oncoming mental health crisis is just the first step in mitigating it. Once you identify the symptoms in yourself or others, it’s important to take action.
Recognize the Value of a Support System
If you have a preexisting mental health condition, it can be hard to separate everyday symptoms from those connected to a crisis. For this reason, it helps to understand what’s normal for you.
Reaching out to those in your support system can give you the strength needed to stop a crisis before it becomes dangerous. This is especially true in times of loss or turmoil, when you may be more susceptible to a mental emergency.
Find Local Resources
Many communities provide free supports and resources for individuals experiencing mental health crises through libraries, churches, hospitals and community centers. If you or a loved one needs help, connecting with a local peer support group can help you gain the tools you need to restore balance. If you don’t know where to begin, accessing a resource such as 211 can provide direction.
Develop Effective Coping Strategies
We can’t always avoid stressors, whether it’s financial difficulties, the loss of a loved one, difficult relationships or stressful work situations. However, we can build resilience by developing coping strategies that support our mental and physical health. This may include embarking on a new exercise routine, incorporating relaxation techniques, meditating or journaling. While these strategies don’t replace mental health care, they can support an individual’s quality of life.
Look for Opportunities for Change
While making a complete lifestyle change isn’t feasible for most people, there may be small changes you can take to support your mental health. For example, scaling back on working overtime can alleviate mental distress while having a minimal impact on overall job performance and effectiveness. Similarly, simplifying your living environment and reducing clutter can be an effective way to improve mental health.
Once again, for someone facing a mental health crisis, tidying a closet or clocking out of work at a reasonable time isn’t a substitute for treatment. However, finding opportunities for change can help someone orient their life around mental wellness.
Connect with a Mental Health Professional
There are various other resources available to those in the midst of a mental crisis. Staying in touch with a mental health professional can help you navigate crises and prevent them from recurring. If you believe you may cause harm to yourself or others during a crisis, walk-in urgent care can be a useful resource.
It’s never too late to seek help for a mental health crisis. At Restore Mental Health, our knowledgeable and caring team is here to support you. Reach out anytime to start feeling better.
