Managing Mental Health Crises Through Inpatient Care

A mental health crisis can be overwhelming, both for the person experiencing it and for their loved ones. In short, a mental health crisis can be defined as a situation where an individual’s emotional or psychological state is so severe that they cannot manage it independently.

This might include feelings of hopelessness, intense anxiety, or even thoughts of self-harm or suicide. When someone is in the midst of a mental health crisis, timely and effective intervention is essential to prevent harm and start the path toward recovery.

Inpatient care is one of the most effective options for managing severe mental health crises. Unlike outpatient care, where individuals receive treatment during the day and return home at night, inpatient care provides a more controlled environment. Clients stay in a facility where they’re monitored 24/7 and receive intensive therapy.

Signs and Symptoms of a Mental Health Crisis

Recognizing the signs of a mental health crisis is essential in getting the right help at the right time. Because many mental illnesses can play into these crises, it is important to be able to recognize some of the common symptoms, including: 

• Aggressive or violent behavior: When a person becomes quickly aggressive or violent, it can indicate they’re struggling to cope with overwhelming emotions.

• Decline in physical health: Mental health crises often have physical symptoms, such as weight loss, fatigue, or neglect of personal hygiene.

• Disorientation or confusion: Sudden confusion or disorientation can be a sign of a mental health issue, especially if it’s out of character for the person.

• Extreme mood swings: Sudden and intense changes in mood, such as swinging from deep depression to euphoria, can indicate a mental health issue, particularly in conditions like bipolar disorder.

• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness: Overwhelming feelings or a sense of worthlessness can propel someone into a crisis. These emotions may also be the result of a mental health crisis.

• Inability to perform daily activities: If someone can’t manage basic tasks like eating, bathing, or getting out of bed, they might be experiencing a mental health crisis.

• Intense feelings of hopelessness: When someone feels there’s no way out of their situation, no matter their actions, it can send them spiraling.

• Paranoia or extreme distrust: Feeling consistently suspicious of others and their actions or behaviors can be symptomatic of a severe mental health issue. The paranoia that others are out to get or sabotage them can indicate a crisis. 

• Psychosis: Experiencing hallucinations, delusions, or losing touch with reality are severe symptoms that require urgent medical attention.

• Self-harm: Engaging in behaviors that cause intentional harm to oneself is a clear indicator of a mental health emergency. Self-harm can take many different forms. It most often manifests physically, while other times, it happens mentally. 

• Severe anxiety or panic attacks: When anxiety becomes so intense that it leads to frequent panic attacks, it can disrupt daily life and signal a crisis. It can be easy to mistake a panic attack for signs of anxiety. However, common signs of a panic attack include nausea, hyperventilation, trembling, heart palpitations, sweating, and numbness.

• Social withdrawal: A person in crisis may withdraw from family and friends, avoiding social interactions altogether. While this behavior on its own does not indicate a mental health crisis, it can be a sign of more severe issues.

• Substance abuse: Turning to drugs or alcohol to cope with emotional pain often leads to a downward spiral and can trigger a crisis.

• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors: When someone starts thinking about ending their life or engages in self-harming behaviors, it’s a sign that they need immediate help. Suicidal ideation is a serious symptom that should never be ignored.

Common Triggers for a Mental Health Crisis

Understanding the events or conditions that can trigger a mental health crisis helps in both prevention and intervention. Here are some common triggers:

• Chronic health issues: Living with a chronic illness can be emotionally draining. It often takes a significant toll on one’s mental health.

• Conflicts with loved ones: Ongoing arguments or unresolved issues with family or friends can be particularly triggering.

• Existing mental health conditions: Conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia can escalate into a crisis if not properly managed.

• Isolation: Lack of social support and feelings of loneliness can contribute to a mental health crisis.

• Lack of support: Not having a support system to turn to during tough times can leave a person vulnerable to a mental health crisis.

• Loss or grief: The death of a loved one, a divorce, or any significant loss can be incredibly challenging and threaten a person’s mental state.

• Severe stress: Prolonged stress from work, relationships, or financial troubles can overwhelm a person and lead to a crisis.

• Significant life changes: Moving, starting a new job, or becoming a parent can be stressful and potentially trigger a crisis.

• Substance abuse: Using drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism often worsens mental health conditions and can lead to an emergency.

• Traumatic events: Experiences such as abuse, violence, or natural disasters can trigger a mental health crisis, especially if they remain unresolved.

What is Inpatient Care?

Inpatient mental health care is a type of treatment where individuals stay in a facility for some time to receive intensive treatment. This differs from outpatient services, where clients receive care during the day and go home at night. Inpatient care provides a more structured and supportive environment, which is often necessary for managing severe mental health crises.

Key features of inpatient care

• 24/7 monitoring: Clients are closely monitored around the clock to ensure their safety and well-being.

• Intensive therapy: Inpatient care involves more frequent and intensive therapy sessions than outpatient care.

• Medication management: Clients can access medication management, ensuring they receive the correct medications at the right times.

Types of facilities offering inpatient care

• Hospitals: Many hospitals have psychiatric units that provide inpatient care for crisis patients.

• Residential mental health facilities: These specialized facilities focus exclusively on mental health treatment. Residential facilities often provide a more homelike environment and can be less intimidating than a hospital setting.

The benefit of a residential facility over a hospital

Residential facilities like Jackson House offer a more comfortable and supportive environment than traditional hospital settings. They provide a safe space for individuals to heal and recover with the added benefit of a community-focused approach.

Benefits of Inpatient Care During a Crisis

Inpatient care offers several benefits during a mental health crisis:

• Immediate safety and stabilization: Inpatient facilities provide a safe environment where clients are protected from harm and immediate steps are taken to stabilize their condition.

• Thorough assessment and diagnosis: Clients receive thorough assessments that contribute to individualized diagnoses and treatment plans.

• Access to a multidisciplinary team: Inpatient care gives clients access to a team of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, therapists, and nurses.

• Structured environment: The structured setting of an inpatient facility ensures that clients have access to therapy and support whenever needed.

• Potential for long-term recovery: Inpatient care lays the foundation for long-term recovery by addressing the root causes of the crisis and developing a plan for ongoing management.

What To Expect at a Residential Inpatient Facility

When you arrive at a residential inpatient facility like Jackson House, here’s what you can expect:

• Initial assessment and admission: Upon arrival, clients undergo a thorough evaluation to determine which program best suits their needs.
• Treatment planning: A detailed treatment plan is developed, which includes therapy, medication, and other interventions.
• Therapeutic interventions: Clients participate in various therapeutic activities, including individual therapy, group therapy, and sometimes alternative therapies like art or music therapy.
• Duration of stay and transition to outpatient care: The length of stay varies depending on the individual’s needs. After inpatient care, clients may transition to outpatient care or aftercare programs to continue their recovery journey.

Mental Health Inpatient Care in Southern California and Oregon

In conclusion, inpatient care is a vital resource for managing mental health crises. It provides a safe environment, intensive treatment, and a pathway to long-term recovery. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, don’t hesitate to seek help.

Jackson House offers comprehensive inpatient care in Southern California and Oregon, providing the support needed to navigate challenging times. Reach out today to learn how we can help you or your loved one.