Developing a Crisis Plan

This video explains the importance of having a mental health crisis plan and provides a detailed guide on what to include in it. It emphasizes the role of preparation in managing mental health crises and how having a plan can provide a sense of control during challenging times.

A mental health crisis plan is a plan of action that is created before a crisis occurs. This way, you know what to do when an emergency arises. It's important to have a crisis plan because a crisis can occur unexpectedly, even when treatment plans have been diligently followed and mental health professionals are actively involved. Having a plan will make it easier to find the right help for you or a loved one during this challenging time. You can write your crisis plan in your phone's notes, on sticky notes, or in a notebook where you can easily access this information if needed. Here is some information to include: - Personal general information like date of birth, name, and address. - Contact information for family, adults, or friends that you trust. - Contact information for your doctor or any other healthcare professionals associated with you. - Current medications and dosages. - Coping strategies and treatments that have worked in the past. - A list of what might make the situation worse and a list of what might help. - Personal treatment preferences. - Contact information for nearby crisis centers or emergency rooms. - Free mental health crisis text or call lines. Remember, preparation is key in managing mental health crises. Having a plan in place can provide a sense of control and direction during a time of chaos and uncertainty.