LISTEN: Mental health first aid discussed in Vancouver
Health professionals worldwide now teach lay people how to recognize
and respond to a person showing signs of mental struggle. There is no
one-size-fits-all answer for how to deal with the man raving at the
telephone pole or the woman with a teetering shopping cart piled high
with filth.
It helps to keep in mind that the person is struggling with a health
issue that may not be visible like a broken leg, or as understood as
cancer, but it is not their fault.
Approach only if it feels safe and intervene appropriately. "In
these high octane situations it's a challenge to use language with
care, but it can really help," says Jonny Morris, of the
Canadian Mental Health Association,
B.C. Division. "We wouldn't think of police first if somebody had a
heart attack, so keep in mind this is a ‘health’ crisis - not a crime."
It also helps to keep in focus that the person in crisis is a human who
is loved by family. Here are the top 10 tips for dealing with a person
in crisis:
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Listen non-judgementally.
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Speak in a calm voice.
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Refrain from touching without permission: "Can I put my hand on you to help calm you?"
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Useful things to say include: "I am concerned about you...Can I get you help?"
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Reassure the person they are heard.
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Encourage the person to seek support from resources or family or
friends: "Is there anyone at home? Could we call the crisis line
together?"
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Understand that mental health and substance abuse issues can cause
erratic or unpredictable behavior and people suffering from a mental
health emergency can exhibit a range of symptoms. People with
schizophrenia sometimes have auditory or visual hallucinations. Brain
injuries can cause odd behaviors, such as picking up objects and
dropping them. People with panic disorders have trouble breathing.
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If you feel the person is suicidal or in distress and you must call
911, ask very specifically for what is needed: "Could you send an
ambulance or paramedics. I see somebody experiencing distress or panic."
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Try not to let emotion take over. Keep descriptions accurate: "He
grabbed for child scissors and cut somebody's hand who reached for
them." As opposed to: "He's stabbing people ... he's trying to kill
people."
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Warn emergency workers they may be dealing with a mental health crisis. It could save lives.
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