“I always have a measure of anxiety, even if I’m just sitting by myself in a room.”

“When I feel extraordinarily well, I become apprehensive. I instinctively know that what follows a ‘high’ is a plunge to a moody ‘low.’”

“I try to take it one day at a time, but sometimes several days attack me at once.”

Can you relate to those expressions from individuals who struggle with their mental health? Are you​—or is someone you care about—​facing a similar struggle?

Be assured that you are not alone. Many people today are affected by mental health issues, whether their own or those of their loved ones.

Mental health is essential to a healthy life. But billions of people around the world struggle with feelings of anxiety, fear, isolation, and depression, lacking access to the quality care and support they need.

The already grim mental health crisis has only been compounded by COVID-19, with millions of people now feeling the ripple effects of the pandemic.

What is a Mental Health Crisis?

The signs of a mental health crisis differ from person to person. Still, there are ways you can be ready in an emergency.

A mental health crisis is when someone’s behaviors prevent them from functioning or indicate they might harm themselves or others.

A crisis can feel overwhelming, and it might seem as if the coping skills you usually have no longer work.

Psychiatric crises and emergencies are unique to the person, but they can look similar in how a person experiences and behaves during the crisis.

Many people are unable to take care of themselves, have worsened symptoms of preexisting mental health conditions, and threaten or attempt self-harm.

Though untreated mental health conditions can lead to a crisis, it’s a misconception that this is the only time they occur. Things happen — mental health crises can occur in people without a diagnosed mental health condition and in people following a treatment plan.

A Mental disorder…

• IS NOT the result of personal weakness.
• IS a medical condition that causes significant distress and disrupts a person’s thinking, emotional control, and behavior.
• Can often upset a person’s ability to relate to others and to handle the daily demands of life.
• Can affect people of any age, culture, race, tribe, religion, educational background, or income level.

What are the treatments for mental disorders?

Treatment depends on which mental disorder you have and how serious it is. You and your provider will work on a treatment plan just for you. It usually involves some type of therapy. You may also take medicines. Some people also need social support and education on managing their condition.

In some cases, you may need more intensive treatment. You may need to go to a psychiatric hospital. This could be because your mental illness is severe. Or it could be because you are at risk of hurting yourself or someone else. In the hospital, you will get counseling, group discussions, and activities with mental health professionals and other patients.

References

https://www.projecthope.org/news-stories/story/the-global-mental-health-crisis-10-numbers-to-note

https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/watchtower-no1-2023/worldwide-mental-health-crisis

https://psychcentral.com/health/what-is-a-mental-health-crisis