CRISIS Management Inside and Out: A mental Health perspective Catherine Jantzen, LMHC August 26, 2016

Crisis!

Mental Health Needs following a crisis Be heard Be connected Search for meaning Develop new identity Acknowledge changed world Receive empathy

Responding to Mental Health Needs “Don’t just do something, stand there.” “The first thing to do in an emergency is nothing.” 24-72 hours How to address See yourself

Responding to Mental Health Needs (cont) Non-verbals Position Barriers Posture Movement Eye contact Normalize vs validate (thoughts/feelings/behavior) Listen with stillness No advice Respond to requests for information

Responding to Mental Health Needs (cont) Encourage telling the story, not story-telling (gossip) Trustworthiness

Signs of Stress/Overload following a crisis Physical Hyper-vigilance Flat affect Self harm - punishment, relief Tearfulness Changes in work patterns Appetite disturbance Sleep disturbance Stomach issues Dizziness, rapid breathing Headaches Substance abuse

Signs of Stress/Overload following a crisis (cont) Mental (Thinking) Dwelling/Rumination Self-blame Confusion Thoughts of suicide/homicide

Signs of Stress/Overload following a crisis (cont) Emotional (Feelings) Sadness Irritability Guilt Numbness Fear Anhedonia Anxiety Hopeless Helpless Worthless

Signs of Stress/Overload following a crisis (cont) Social/Spiritual (Relationships) Social isolation Excessive talking (pressured speech) Silence Argumentative Unusual expressions of anger Direct threats Veiled threats Conditional threats

Responsibility to the community Need to document Need to report Suicidal comments/behavior Homicidal comments/behavior SUSPICION of sexual abuse (minors) Violence Threats Level of reaction ITHOOI Respond “Staff the case” Refer

Taking care “Listen to the Whisper or wait for the brick” Physical Eat well Sleep hygiene Hydration Exercise Retreat Get outside-NDD Relaxation Journal/letter writing

Taking care (cont) “Listen to the Whisper or wait for the brick” Massage Prayer and other spiritual disciplines Ongoing support Laugh Play Listen (sing, dance) to music Positive/truthful self-talk Help others

Licensed Mental Health Counselor Catherine Jantzen Licensed Mental Health Counselor 6334 Constitution Drive Fort Wayne, IN 46804 cathyjantzen@gmail.com (260) 213-1300