Kaleidoscope Yorkshire

Recognising a CrisisRecognising a Crisis

ObjectivesObjectives

• Defining what we mean by ‘crisis’• Recognise different types of crises• Examine what we mean by ‘mental health

crisis’ in more detail• Explore the typical stages of a crisis• Consider a personal crisis of our own with

regard to the above• Examine some case studies• Consider aspects of supporting someone

in crisis• Examine what services might be available

What is a crisis?What is a crisis?• A brief psychological response

to severe stress (Rosen, 1998)• A situation in which you are

confronted with circumstances outside your usual life experience and outside of your control

• An emotional state where someone requires urgent help (MIND )

Is there a difference Is there a difference between a crisis and an between a crisis and an

emergency?emergency?• EMERGENCY – A life-

threatening situation demanding an immediate response.

• CRISIS - Often not immediately life-threatening

Crisis, stress, mental Crisis, stress, mental health, they are the same health, they are the same

things, right?things, right?

• Adjustment Disorder

• Stress

Types of CrisisTypes of CrisisDevelopmentalDevelopmental

ComplexComplexSituationalSituational

• Developmental – Life changes and transitions.

• Situational – Cultural maybe, social and specific

• Complex – Not part of our our everyday experience,

much harder to overcome.

Developmental

• Becoming an adult

• Starting, forming, keeping relationships

• Becoming old

• Dying

SituationalSituational• Loss job, unemployment

• Loss of income or home

• Accident

• Burglary

• Grief and loss

• Loss of relationship (e.g. divorce)

ComplexComplex• Trauma

• Mental Illness

Mental Health CrisisMental Health Crisis• Acute

• Non acute

Crisis PhasesCrisis Phases• 3 Typical Phases

Impact

RecoveryAftermath

Rosen, 1998

What about you?What about you?

Some Typical ResponsesSome Typical Responses

• IMPACTIMPACT• Physical – Heart rate,

breathing, sweating, nausea• Emotional – Excitement,

fear, confusion, denial, shock, euphoria

• Behavioural – Hyperactivity, immobility, anger

Cont….Cont….• AFTERMATHAFTERMATH

• Physical – Fatigue, no energy, sleep, pain

• Emotional - Depression, guilt, anger, mood, shame

• Behavioural – Avoidance, inefficiency, random activity

Cont…..Cont…..• RECOVERYRECOVERY• Physical – Energy, sleep,

appetite• Emotional – Stability,

pleasure, interest, improved thinking

• Behavioural – Socialising, goal directed activity, hope

Can experiencing a crisis be Can experiencing a crisis be positive?positive?

• Yes or No?

Kaleidoscope YorkshireKaleidoscope YorkshireMental Health Crisis LineMental Health Crisis Line

How would you deal with How would you deal with someone having a crisissomeone having a crisis

• Talk about observable behaviour• Assess for suicide or self harm• Non judgmental • Give reassurance and information• Encourage self support and help• Allowing the tension• Personal strengths• Goals for intervention

Other supportive ideasOther supportive ideas

• Spend more time

• Promote ownership

• Doing things

• Privacy

• Help facing reality

Support ServicesSupport Services• Professional services• GP• CMHT• Crisis Resolution • A & E / Casualty• NHS Direct• Crisis lines • Internet resources

The Mental Health ActThe Mental Health Act