The current national statistics indicate that mental health crises episodes are much more prevalent across the population than is commonly known; roughly 10% of adults have experienced a significant episode of mental distress that has required immediate intervention during the past 12 months. Examples of such an abusive episode may include extreme suicidal ideation, panic attacks, feelings of intense distress or lack of control to the point where the individual believes he/she needs immediate assistance.
There was also a recent article published in Health Affairs Scholar on how individuals who experience mental health episodes access services after the incident and that many individuals do seek assistance following an episode of mental illness but do not utilise any type of specialty service including a mobile crisis unit or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Almost all individuals typically turn to family, friends, or primary care physician (PCP) for assistance following an episode of mental distress. Furthermore, a small percentage of individuals contacted crisis hotlines or made use of services that provide emergency mental health interventions, suggesting there is plenty of opportunity to increase the level of knowledge and trust in formal support systems.
Mental health emergencies affect all individuals; however, people with long-standing mental health conditions tend to be at greater risk for experiencing a mental health emergency, but anyone may also experience an emergency because of poverty, being forced out of their home, being discriminated against or having suffered any form of trauma. More knowledge and acceptance of mental health emergencies can produce an increased comfort in obtaining assistance and reduced time to receive assistance for those individuals who are currently experiencing an emergency.
A person who knows someone going through an episode of mental health crises may have the ability to help save their life if they know how to support them appropriately (listen without judgment, inquire about their safety, and assist them locate appropriate resources/services). In addition, data at the policy level indicates that we should reform policies and provide funds for 24-hour crisis hotlines; mobile crisis teams response; and easy-to-use, affordable safe community resources for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.
Source: Health Affairs Scholar; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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