Supporting a Loved One through a Mental Health Crisis

Photo Courtesy of Josue Escoto, unsplash.com

Sending a loved one to inpatient treatment, the hospital, or filing an Emergency Petition are calls no one ever wants to make. Though there can be intense relief when help, in whatever form it takes, is finally on the way, it is often the first step in a long process of recovery for the person on the receiving end. Depending on your level of involvement, it might be a long journey for you, too.

According to research published by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) in 2020, about 52.9 million adults in the United States experience mental illness. Of those, about 14.2 million adults experience what the study referred to as “serious” mental illness, which is defined as a severe mental illness leading to significant impairment in one or more major life activities, such as work or school. As a result of increased life stressors due to the pandemic and additional pressures on the healthcare system, it can only be assumed these numbers will continue to rise as data is collected through 2022. However, additional data from Mental Health America in 2020 found that Maryland ranks fifth in the country for mental health access, meaning that there are lower rates of mental illness and higher rates of access to services compared to other states. This is good news for those seeking mental health resources here in Maryland.

Whether it’s your first or your tenth time supporting someone in crisis, it can feel scary, overwhelming, confusing, and downright hopeless at times. This is why knowing how to access available resources before you may need them is so vital. If you have found yourself caring for a family member, friend, partner, or other important person struggling with their mental health, you are not alone. Many of those 14.2 million individuals have loved ones who, like you, are somehow involved in their treatment or care. Continue reading below for helpful ideas and resources to support you both.

Understand the Options in Your State and/or County

              Every state, and often every county, has different resources available for those experiencing a mental health crisis. A great place to find out what services are available in your area is your county’s health department. For Maryland residents, this information by visiting the Maryland.gov Health Department page and clicking on your county’s health department website. Depending on the intensity of the issue, some resources might be more appropriate than others. In these cases, it may be worthwhile to contact the health department or a crisis line and speak to someone specially trained to help you navigate the situation.

              Did you know that, prior to this year, the state of Maryland had its own Behavioral Health Crisis Line which could be used by anyone in need of mental health assistance? As of July 2022, however, this number has changed to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which is both free and staffed 24/7. Now, calling or texting 988 will connect you with a trained individual who can direct you to the appropriate resources. You can use this resource even if you are a family member and not directly in crisis yourself. You can learn more about using the new 988 crisis number here.

              Finally, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a grassroots organization focused on supporting individuals struggling with mental health and their families. NAMI has multiple affiliates throughout Maryland and their own state-specific website. The national website has a variety of resources for family members and caregivers of people experiencing mental illness. On this website, you can read about how to help someone’s recovery, various types of mental illness, and even how to find a support group in your area. NAMI also has its own free helpline that can be used for non-emergency related concerns.

Be Thoughtfully Involved

              The positive impact of having family members involved in an individual’s recovery process is well-documented. In fact, one study that interviewed people with serious mental illness found that 39% of their participants considered family a primary source of strength while in residential treatment. Family members also served the important function of expressing hope for their loved one’s full recovery, often more than the professionals working with the person directly.

Because family member involvement can so powerfully impact a person’s recovery, asking your loved one how they would like you to be involved in their recovery, and honoring their wishes as much as possible, is an important step in the healing process. Letting the person know you support them, verbally and explicitly, can go a long way. By honoring your loved one’s autonomy to make their own health-related decisions, even when you might have made different choices, your support is backed up by your actions.

 Of note: if your loved one is receiving medical and/or mental healthcare, it is important both of you know that certain releases of information need to be signed in order for you to be involved in their care. Without these consent documents in place, professionals are legally bound to keep your loved one’s treatment confidential.

Take Care of You

You have probably heard the saying “Too much of anything is not good for you.” Taking care of others is no exception. When those we love are in crisis, it can be easy to go above and beyond our own capacity to ensure they get what they need. After all, being able to depend on and care for one another is one of the things that has made humans so successful as a species. Unfortunately, this over-extension leaves us susceptible to everything from physical illness to compassion fatigue. The body can only take so much stress before it forces us to slow down. When we are not at our best, it can be incredibly difficult to fully show up for others. This is why self-care is one of the most necessary parts of being a caregiver to others.

When dealing with mental health crises, life tends to become chaotic and unpredictable for a time. There can be a lot of “hurry up and wait. Everyday tasks such as making sure you get enough rest, sitting down to a meal, or going for a walk all count toward your overall well-being. Anything you can do to maintain a sense of normalcy in your daily routines can help keep your own mental health stable.  Remember, self-care does not have to be grand or expensive to be effective.

Many people find an important part of their own healing is getting support of their own. This may look like connecting with an individual therapist who can offer perspective and a space to process the experience. Some families opt to seek help from a family therapist who can work with everyone involved as a unit. As a clinician, I’ve spoken to many family members who have said a peer support group has been invaluable for both their own self-care and for the sense of connection provided by speaking to others going through similar difficulties. Many support groups are absolutely free and some have moved online due to the pandemic, further increasing their accessibility. Whatever form of support you choose, this is not an experience that you have to go through alone.

Did you know many of our clinicians are accepting new appointments? As of July 25th, 2022, we are still available to support you on the next step of your healing journey. You can request an appointment through our website and get connected with a therapist that meets your needs.

Remember, this blog is not a substitute for a qualified professional who understands your unique needs. However, we may be able to connect you with a qualified professional if you would like to explore further.