Handling an Emergency
Without effective management, the crisis can escalate into an emergency. Your goal is to prevent harm or injury while you get immediate professional help. You are in an emergency situation when a family member or friend:
- Makes verbal threats
- Shows physical aggression toward people or objects
- Threatens or attempts self-harm or suicide
Emergency Intervention Tools
Your goal is to keep the person as calm as possible and prevent injury to yourself and others while you wait for help. Don't handle the problem alone. Get friends or family to help you take the person to an emergency room, call a mental health professional or call the police. Below are tools for dealing with anger, aggression, and threats.
Dealing with Emergencies
Self-neglect to the point that it endangers life (such as refusing to eat) requires professional help. Call a mental health professional and explain the emergency. Make an appointment for your family member or friend to be seen by a professional as soon as possible.
Verbal threats of self-harm or suicide should be taken very seriously. Call a mental health professional immediately. Make an appointment for your family member or friend to be evaluated within 24 hours. Or take the person to the emergency room. Do not leave him or her alone.
Self-harm and attempted suicide are extreme emergencies. Call an ambulance immediately and ask for directions as to what you can do.
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