What is an emergency? We can all agree that a tornado tearing through a populated area is an emergency. An indiscriminate shooter running through a packed school building qualifies. But would we find the same kind of consensus about a “mental health emergency”? For instance, is someone making statements about wanting to die an emergency? What if that person is holding a sharp knife? Or how about your friend whose spouse left them a month ago and who hasn’t left the house or spoken to anyone since; are they having a mental health emergency? Even if we can agree on a definition, what resources are available to help?
Mental health emergencies, like medical emergencies, encompass a wide range of symptoms; some of which are obvious and some are not. For our purposes, let me summarize by saying that an individual who can reasonably be expected to physically injure themselves or someone else in the near future due to mental illness, developmental issues or emotional disturbance is having a “mental health emergency”. More subtle, a formally independent individual who is no longer able to care for or advocate on their own behalf due to a mental health disorder might well be considered in urgent need of care. With those parameters of what might be a mental health emergency, what can be done if we find ourselves or someone close to us (family, friend, co-worker, neighbor) experiencing one?
First things first, make sure that you are safe. If a person is an eminent danger, such as making threats with a loaded gun, remove yourself from the situation and call 911 immediately. Similarly, if the person has already ingested an overdose of pills or seriously cut themselves, call 911. In most cases, an individual who is actively symptomatic (e.g., having hallucinations) will not willingly go to the emergency room. In this case, it is best to contact emergency services who will generally respond by sending both a police officer and emergency medical personnel. They will then determine if the individual needs to be hospitalized and will transport the individual. Even if you aren’t sure how serious the person is about their intentions or if you are afraid that they may become angry with you, it is better to err on the side of caution to protect yourself and others.
When the situation is less dire you have more options. If the person is willing to go with you, you may choose to seek help at your local hospital emergency room. You might also go to the Community Mental Health (CMH) agency in your county during normal business hours. Each County’s CMH agency also provides 24-hour emergency services available to anyone. In Gratiot County, the CMH office is located at 608 Wright Avenue in Alma and the 24-hour hotline can be reached by calling, (989) 463-4971 or (toll free) at 1-800-622-5583.
For persons in Isabella County, the office is located at 301 South Crapo in Mount Pleasant. Their 24-hour emergency number is (989) 772-5938 or (toll free) 1-800-317-0708. Both of these call centers are active 7 days a week to help resolve crisis situations and make referrals for long-term assistance. You will be linked with a qualified healthcare provider that will help you by providing information, resources, counseling or just a listening ear.
You do not have to know the legal definition of a mental health emergency to know when you or someone you care about is in pain or in need of help. Don’t let the fear and/or the stigma that often comes from not understanding a mental illness get in the way of helping someone in need.