Crisis

Early-warning symptoms usually develop into a crisis, and relapse may occur if crisis-prevention strategies aren't used or aren't effective. Start crisis intervention as soon as the crisis occurs. Get professional help as soon as possible. Your goal is to avoid an emergency situation.

Make a backup plan during peaceful times you will be prepared during a crisis. Involve other people who are willing to help, such as a relative, a minister, or close friend.

Common Crisis Situations
You know a crisis situation may be near when your loved one:

Starts staying up all night
Starts spending money recklessly
Starts acting hostile, irritable, or aggressive
Experiences anxiety or panic
Expresses feelings of worthlessness
Talks about suicide or shows signs of suicidal behavior

Crisis Prevention Strategies

Crisis prevention is what you do to keep a crisis from occurring.

Using Effective Crisis Prevention Techniques
Each situation is unique. So you may find that some techniques fit your situation better than others.

Show understanding
Show your understanding and explore likely outcomes with your loved one.

Remain as calm as possible
It is always helpful to discuss the situation calmly.

Constructive feedback is helpful
Offer your loved one constructive feedback, instead of criticism.

Let your loved one do the talking
Listen and ask questions that lead to better decisions.

Encourage discussion
There may be certain situations in which changing the subject can be constructive. However, encouraging discussion is a more desirable approach that's likely to lead to better overall results.

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Crisis Intervention Techniques

Crisis intervention is what you do to keep a crisis from becoming an emergency. If you've dealt with a crisis in the past, then you've done crisis intervention.

Do not do crisis intervention alone. Contact a mental health professional. A medication adjustment or other interventions may be needed to prevent an emergency.

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Let Your Loved One Know You're an Ally
You're an ally when they understand you're on their side — you express concern, listen, discuss, and compromise instead of forcing them to do things.

Encourage "Time Out" to Calm Down
Encourage your loved one to take time to unwind.

Set Reasonable Limits
Instead of threatening, calmly suggest reasonable limits.

Ease the Problem
Sometimes family and friends escalate a problem without meaning to. You know you're easing the problem when the other person starts calming down.

Take an Objective Approach
Don't take things personally.

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