Depression Interventions: What to do in a Crisis

Witnessing a loved one battle depression can be crushing, and it is normal to feel overwhelmed and scared. Although there are professional services that deal with mental health problems, people with depression are more likely to turn to a loved one in a crisis. 

Last week, we covered the nature/nurture debate and mentioned that the causes of depression are a combination of both sides. This week, we will look at what you can do if you or a loved one experiences a crisis.

But first, what do we mean by crisis?

Crisis in depression

When someone with depression experiences a crisis, it means they are in a situation where they might harm themselves or another person. Most commonly, this is someone feeling suicidal, but it could be hallucinations or manic episodes encouraging dangerous behaviour.

Indications that people are experiencing a mental health crisis include sudden changes in their behaviour – if they suddenly become very withdrawn or agitated – or habits – such as personal hygiene and day to day activities.

Not everyone experiencing a crisis will show any symptoms at all. Checking in with friends that you think might have depression is a great way to let them know someone is there for them if they need it.

Some people will show no signs at all, but some common signs that someone is considering suicide are loss of interest in usual activities, mood swings, recklessness, hopelessness, insomnia, talking about death or suicide, givie away posessions, drinking excessively or using drugs, self-harm and poor hygeine.

How to help a person with suicidal ideations

Suicidal ideation is one of the most common mental health crisis, and its consequences are devastating, so learning how to respond might help you save a life.

Lifeline Australia suggest that anyone worried about another person reaches out and lets them know they are there to listen. Also encourage them to seek the appropriate professional help, including crisis support services if they are feeling suicidal.

If you encounter a person attempting to take their own life, remain calm and do not leave them alone. Talk to them about their reasons for living and try to keep them physically safe if you can.

Lifeline Australia outline a 3 step process to dealing with a potential suicide. Ask them directly if theyr are thinking about suicide, Listen to their answer and stay with them if it is yes, then get professional help as soon as possible.

Mental Health First Aid

People who are feeling suicidal might benefit from talking to a Mental Health First Aider. Mental Health First Aid is an accreditation created to deal with mental health crises. Like standard first aid, it is a frontline response to crisis and not a general counselling service.

Mental Health First Aiders are trained to identify suicidal thoughts and other mental health emergencies. They are also given the skills and confidence to calm a highly distressed person. All this aims to remove the threat of suicide.

If you are interested in becoming a Mental Health First Aider, speak to your employer and see if you can become your workplace’s officer. Show them the MHFA Australia website for reference.

If your employer thinks someone else is more appropriate, or your workplace already has a Mental Health First Aider, you can choose to enrol in the course as an individual instead.

Mental Health First Aid is a course aimed at training people to deal with mental health crisis, such as suicide.

What to do in a mental health crisis

If you or anyone you know is having a hard time, Lifeline Australia has a 24/7 confidential service with trained supporters that want to help you. They also have a service finder, in case the phone line isn’t the best option for you.

If you are struggling with depression but don’t think you need crisis support, reach out to your GP who can refer you for professional mental health treatments.

Please remember that depression affects everyone differently. Someone might seem fine every day at work but be fighting an invisible battle inside. Treat everybody with kindness and make sure you look after your own mental health as well as others’.

Felicity Thompson

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