NAVIGATING A MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS
NAMI developed this guide below to support people experiencing mental health crises, and their friends and families, by providing important, sometimes lifesaving information. The guide outlines what can contribute to a crisis, warning signs that a crisis is emerging, strategies to help de-escalate a crisis and resources that may be available for those affected. Also included is information about advocating for a person in crisis along with a sample crisis plan.
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WHAT IS 988?
988 is the new three-digit dialing code connecting people to the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (now the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) where compassionate, accessible care and support is available for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress — whether that is thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.
The goal of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is to provide immediate crisis intervention and support. When someone calls 988, a trained crisis counselor will answer the phone, listen to the caller, understand how their problem is affecting them, provide support and share resources, as needed. Crisis counselors are trained to help in a variety of crisis situations, and no caller is required to disclose any personal information.
The goal of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is to provide immediate crisis intervention and support. When someone calls 988, a trained crisis counselor will answer the phone, listen to the caller, understand how their problem is affecting them, provide support and share resources, as needed. Crisis counselors are trained to help in a variety of crisis situations, and no caller is required to disclose any personal information.
A FEW FACTS ABOUT SUICIDE
- Suicide Deaths increased by 45% among Ohioans, and 56% among youth ages 10-24 from 2007 - 2018.
- The highest suicide death rate in Ohio, Men aged 45-64.
- Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States.
- Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among persons between the ages of 15 and 34.
- For every woman who dies by suicide, more than three men die by suicide.
- 90% of those who die by suicide had a diagnosable psychiatric disorder at the time of their death.
- It's estimated that for every death by suicide, there are 25 attempts.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
WARNING SIGNS OF SUICIDE
The more of these signs a person shows, the greater the risk.
The more of these signs a person shows, the greater the risk.
- Talking about wanting to die
- Looking for a way to kill oneself
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
- Acting anxious, agitated or recklessly
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Withdrawing or feeling isolated
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Displaying extreme mood swings
HOW TO HELP A FRIEND OR LOVED ONE
WHAT TO DO
If someone you know exhibits warning signs of suicide:
If someone you know exhibits warning signs of suicide:
- Do not leave the person alone
- Remove any firearms, alcohol, drugs or sharp objects that could be used in a suicide attempt
- Call 988 or the Four County OH Suicide Prevention Coalition at 800-468-4357
- Take the person to an emergency room or seek help from a medical or mental health professional