Mental Health "First Aid"

http://thekojonnamdishow.org/shows/2011-04-04/mental-health-first-aid
Mental Health "First Aid"

Use CPR if someone stops breathing. Use the Heimlich manuever if someone is choking. But would do you do if someone is having a mental health crisis?

Would you recognize the signs and symptoms of a mental health crisis in someone else? How would you react? We hear about an expanding public program whose aim is to ensure everyone 'Knows What to Do' when faced with another's depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia, or something else.

Guests

Bryan Gibb

Director of Public Education, National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare

Senora Simpson

participant, Mental Health First Aid; and Professor of Physical Therapy, Howard University

Kay Hong

participant, Mental Health First Aid

Related Links

Mental Health First Aid
National Institute of Mental Health

Comments

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Kiran wrote:

Try and get them to see they need help & it's okay to take it.

Mon, 04/04/2011 - 12:10pm
Kiran wrote:

Try and get them to see they need help & it's okay to take it.

Mon, 04/04/2011 - 12:10pm
DrK wrote:

Hospital emergency departments are a safety net, not only for medical / traumatic disorders, but also for mental health. Emergency departments are open 24/7, and are very familiar with treatment of mental health and substance abuse issues.

Many have mental health crisis social workers, and short cuts into the mental health 'system'. The physicians and nurses are all very familiar with the full range of mental health crisis, substance abuse, and psychiatric disorders.

Those at particular risk, particularly those with psychosis (whether due to a mental disorder or use of drugs), mania, severe depression or anyone with marked agitation/anger with any thoughts of harming themselves or others should seek help in an emergency department.

Reasons immediately go to the emergency department (call 9-1-1 if needed)

  • Severe depression with thoughts of self-harm, suicide, or harming others
  • Persistent agitation or anger with thoughts of self-harm, suicide, or harming others
  • Someone who is depressed or psychotic and is not able to attend to basic care (e.g. not eating or drinking, not leaving bed to go to the bathroom)
  • People with significant mania--awake for several days, hearing voices, out-of-control behavior, any violence or 'public nuisance' type behavior*
  • People with a history of serious mental illness who have stopped taking their medication and are getting progressively worse
  • Agitated, psychotic, intoxicated/high, depressed or manic individuals who are taking part in dangerous behavior, e.g. climbing out of/on of high windows, walking in traffic, playing with firearms**
  • Anyone who expresses a plan or intent to harm themselves or anyone else, or who has attempted or actually hurt themselves
  • Anyone whether due to mental illness or intoxication (due to drugs or alcohol) shows any of the above signs, or who cannot be awoken--particularly if they have vomited while "out" or who are exhibiting behavior that is clearly dangerous
  • Anyone where your 'gut' tells you is out of control or in danger of hurting themselves or others

    • They will be triaged, stabilized (with medication if needed), given any time-sensitive care, and referred to a safe disposition for further care (be it therapy, pastoral care, or psychiatric care). Even if these turn out to be 'false alarms', the best place to sort these out is a save environment which has access to a wide range of services and therapy.

    Wait times for many types of care (e.g. admission to a hospital) often take quite a while. Patience may be needed (and it is always a good idea to bring a book along with family/friends to keep the individual company!). Many emergency departments will put someone who may be at risk or who is intoxicated into a gown--don't be offended. We have seen enough knives, 'torch' lighters, thank you for giving them to someone for safekeeping.

    Safety is the #1 concern in emergency departments. Emergency departments are safety nets for those with mental illness, problems with substance abuse, and those who are in crisis of any kind. Nobody should ever hesitate to bring someone they are concerned about. The door is always open.

    *Note: people with mania may feel great, even super human. They are notoriously hard to get into the car to go to the hospital.
    **People often dismiss this as "attention seeking behavior". While this is often the case, it also precedes both accidental and intentional injury/death.

    Mon, 04/04/2011 - 1:24pm
    The Kojo Nnamdi Show is produced by member-supported WAMU 88.5 in Washington DC.