Any situation in which a person’s behavior signals they may cause injury to themselves or others is a clear sign that they are experiencing a mental health crisis. But sometimes, the signs of crisis can be less obvious. Determining when it is finally time to seek treatment for mental health issues can be extremely difficult but also life-defining. Taking the steps toward wellness can improve you or your loved one’s day-to-day life, as well as long-term prospects. Sunrise Vista’s outpatient behavioral health treatment programs can be a first step toward gaining control of your life.
5 Underrecognized Warning Signs that Crisis Stabilization is Needed
Recognizing the warning signs that a loved one may be struggling is the best way that you can support them through their mental health concerns. Here are some of the most common but underrecognized signs that it is time to seek help with a crisis stabilization program and mental health therapies:
- If you are unable to perform daily tasks such as getting dressed, bathing, or feeding yourself.
- Extreme mood changes such as increased agitation, anger, manic, or depressed states
- Risk-taking behavior such as unsafe driving, substance abuse, or engaging in anonymous sex
- Loss of touch with reality, hallucinations, or paranoia
- Isolation from friends, family, school, or work when a person was previously engaged in their community
- Abusive behavior can also be a catalyst to feed isolation. Emotional isolation can amplify the dangers of suicide because it will reinforce the individual’s belief that they are unworthy of love, friendship, or affirmations.
Each of these signs, alone, are not hard fast rules and often depend on the personality of the individual. However, if a marked change in a person’s behavior leads to concern, consider discussing these behaviors with the individual as it may help them realize there is a problem.
Seeking Behavioral Health Treatment in Ohio
One of the major signs of crisis is behavior that can be linked to an individual’s discussing or planning suicide or following through on suicide attempts. Some of the words that someone considering suicide might use to describe their emotional state include:
- Lonely
- Worthless
- Hopeless
- Powerless
- Frustrated
- Guilty
- Shameful
If someone in your life has been describing their emotional state with these qualifiers, encouraging them to seek help with the right mental health treatment center can be the most important step to securing safety for them. Some signs that an individual is considering suicide include:
- Communicating as if they are saying goodbye.
- Giving away cherished possessions.
- If they become suddenly cheerful after a long period of depression.
- Substance abuse gets worse.
- They have been obtaining pills or weapons.
- Withdrawal from family and friends or romantic relationships.
These signs are especially concerning if your loved one has previously attempted suicide. If a loved one is discussing suicide, has a history of suicide, and exhibits the above signs, this behavior must be taken very seriously. If you decide to speak with your loved one about these behaviors, remember to, above all else, listen supportively and non-judgmentally. Give reassurance, and do not try to argue or reason with your loved one. Encourage professional help, self-help, and support strategies. While you listen, assess for risk of suicide or harm. Remember, Sunrise Vista in Ohio has experienced professionals to assist you if you have noticed the above language or behavior and need help referring your loved one to the care that will best help them.
Seek Crisis Stabilization Today with Sunrise Vista in Ohio
If you or your loved one is experiencing one or more of the signs above, it may be time to find mental health treatment options with an inpatient mental health facility that is located conveniently near your home. With Sunrise Vista’s inpatient mental health treatment options, you have a wide array of options to support your individual journey toward wellness. Consider contacting Sunrise Vista in Ohio today to discuss options for care and start on the path to healthful living.