Types of Mental Health Crises
Unfortunately, there isn’t just one single type of mental health crisis to be aware of. They can result from an acute episode related to a psychiatric condition — like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. They can also be the result of a traumatic event or overwhelming stress,
Because mental health crises can widely vary in nature and severity, each has its own challenges and requires a tailored, individualized approach to intervention.
Suicidal ideation and behavior
Suicidal ideation — having thoughts or fantasies about or contemplating dying by suicide — is a profound crisis. It indicates severe, extreme emotional distress and poses a significant risk of self-harm.
Suicidal thoughts and behavior can be the result of several factors, including a mental health condition, trauma, overwhelming stress, or a combination of these that result in an inability to cope.
Panic attacks
A panic attack can induce sudden, intense fear or discomfort and cause physical symptoms like sweating, increased heart rate, shortness of breath, chest pain, or intense feelings of impending doom.
Panic attacks can become a mental health crisis that requires prompt intervention. Support, coupled with access to mental health resources, help alleviate symptoms and prevent future episodes.
Psychotic episodes
A psychotic episode is defined as a break from reality that can include delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking, paranoia, and an altered perception of reality.
Because there can be severe disruption in the ability to function, psychotic episodes often represent a mental health crisis that demands psychiatric assessment and care. It’s essential to ensure the safety and well-being of the person experiencing a psychotic episode, as well as those around them.
Trauma and stress-related disorders
Trauma and stress-related disorders are triggered by exposure to traumatic events like sexual, physical, or emotional abuse, natural disasters, accidents, or witnessing or experiencing violence. They become a mental health crisis when they result in intrusive memories, flashbacks, avoidance behaviors, extreme depression or anxiety, or any other debilitating symptoms that impair the ability to function.
Addressing trauma and stress-related disorders may require therapy, medication management, and other support systems as one learns to cope with what they’ve experienced and reclaim a sense of safety.
Severe depression
Depression comes in many forms and levels of severity. It can cause persistent feelings of sadness, worthlessness, hopelessness, apathy, or a loss of interest in things once enjoyed. Depression is also associated with physical symptoms, like sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, and constant fatigue.
In some cases, depression can escalate into a mental health crisis that causes extreme emotional suffering, including thoughts of suicide or self-harm. Addressing severe depression might require access to mental health professionals and therapy, learning and using self-help coping mechanisms, and medication.
Manic episodes
Manic episodes, a key characteristic of bipolar disorder, can present in various ways. While some may experience extreme “highs” with feelings of euphoria, others may exhibit symptoms that are less obviously negative, such as unusually good moods.
Symptoms of mania can include:
- Risky behavior
- Decreased need for sleep
- Erratic behavior
- Mood instability (including irritability or rapid shifts in mood)
- Difficulty concentrating
It’s crucial to note that mania is not always about feeling euphoric; it can also manifest in dangerous and disruptive ways to daily life.
Substance-induced crises
Excessively consuming (or experiencing withdrawal) from drugs or alcohol can result in significant cognitive or emotional impairment or behavioral dysfunction.
Substance-induced crises may quickly turn into a mental health crisis resulting from severe intoxication, overdose, withdrawal, or a psychiatric complication like psychosis or a mood disorder episode.
Address a substance-induced crisis as soon as possible, especially if detoxification is warranted. Substance abuse treatment can identify and then help address possible underlying addiction issues in an effort to prevent future relapse.
Aggressive or violent behavior
Aggressive or violent behavior can include threatening, physically harming, or intentionally intimidating someone. This type of behavior can be fueled by anger or frustration, and oftentimes, psychological conditions or factors are also involved.
Violent behavior involves loss of control, extreme hostility, violence, or uncontrollable impulsivity. Immediate intervention can sometimes work to de-escalate a situation, but addressing the behavior is almost always needed if you hope to ensure the safety of everyone involved. A psychiatric assessment, therapy, and medication can all be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that helps someone learn to manage their anger in more appropriate ways.
Disorientation or confusion
Feeling disoriented or confused might mean experiencing a lack of awareness of one’s surroundings that’s accompanied by difficulty recalling information or thinking clearly. It can also directly impact decision-making abilities.
If disorientation or confusion causes severe cognitive impairment, it might lead to an inability to function appropriately or independently. This type of mental health crisis demands intervention and assistance to determine any potential underlying issues. A combined approach using a professional evaluation, an assessment, therapeutic intervention, and medication is common.
