In a crisis?
How to get help when you need it—quick
I recognise there is a difference between someone suffering from a low mood and someone having depression, whilst also seeing that both of these people need help. In recent years, people have talked more openly about mental health than perhaps ever before. While this open communication has many societal benefits, including destigmatising mental health, it can also lead to both premature and/or self-diagnosis of conditions that aren’t yet present.
While I believe in a proactive attitude to well-being support, to help individuals before they become ill, and then timely, reactive and meaningful therapeutic approaches when it is time for an intervention and an individual is already suffering from mental illness. However, there are also times when improving our wellbeing with therapeutic intervention doesn’t feel like it’s enough, and it might not be suitable for what you are going through.
“I’m in a crisis. Help!”
If someone is in a crisis with their mental health or wellbeing, this may present as an individual whose emotions, thoughts and behaviours put them at risk of harming themselves, or others. A crisis can be triggered by intense feelings of personal distress, changes in functioning, and/or catastrophic life events. A crisis can also impair a person’s ability to care for themselves or access basic needs. A crisis requires immediate intervention and support to prevent further harm. If someone is suffering from severe mental illness, it may be that dark thoughts feeling too overwhelming and be too much to deal with.
If you are one of my clients, you will know that I am not a crisis service; if you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts or ideation, or has self-harmed and is losing a significant amount of blood, or losing consciousness, or if a person needs help that you cannot give them safely, call 999. Many other crisis services are available, and I would encourage you to contact them if you think they can help:
Hertfordshire Single Point of Access: 0800 6444 101
NHS 111: Option 2
Samaritans: 116123
PAPYRUS Suicide Prevention: 0800 068 4141
MIND: call 0300 123 3393
CALM: 0800 585 858
Childline: 0800 11 11
No Panic (panic attacks, phobias, OCD): 0844 967 4848 or 0330 606 1174 (for young people)
SHOUT: Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258
Cruse Bereavement Support, call 0808 808 1677
Hertfordshire Mind Network Cafés for Adults and Young People
Don’t forget, if you need immediate help, or if your own or another person’s life is in danger, call 999.
Can You Help Me?
Sure. I am always here if you need me but make sure you know about the above—for when I’m not!
I provide support for parents who are trying to think about how they manage their own mental wellbeing while working with their children.
Please get in touch:
If you live in East Hertfordshire, and are registered with certain GP surgeries, there might even be a way I can help you for free. Find out here:
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