This month, we are diving into the final area of the mental health care sector in which Viewpoint Foundation wants to make headway: supports for de-escalation.

Emerging mental health crises can be challenging to navigate, both for the individuals experiencing them and those around them. However, with the right support and strategies, it is possible to de-escalate these situations effectively while also fostering a proactive and compassionate approach to mental health care. Prevention and early intervention strategies also play a pivotal role in minimizing the need for intensive interventions. This article explores various approaches and support systems that can help mitigate the intensity of emerging mental health crises.

Mental Health Literacy & Coping Skills

First and foremost, community education and awareness campaigns can help destigmatize mental health issues, encouraging individuals to seek support before crises escalate. This includes promoting mental health literacy and teaching coping skills that can be applied in times of stress. (Hallet et al., 2017)

One of the fundamental elements in de-escalating mental health crises is active listening. Providing a non-judgmental space for individuals to express their thoughts and feelings allows them to feel heard and understood. This simple yet powerful technique can help establish trust and create a connection between the person in crisis and those offering support. (Altabef et al., 2017)

Empathy and compassion also play crucial roles in de-escalation. Understanding that individuals in crisis are often dealing with internal struggles that those on the outside may not understand enables supporters to approach the situation with kindness. Demonstrating genuine concern and empathy can help alleviate the feelings of isolation that often accompany mental health crises. (Spandler & Stickley, 2011)

Creating safety plans in collaboration with individuals at risk of a mental health crisis can be a proactive way to address potential triggers and coping strategies. These plans outline personalized steps that can be taken to manage distress and prevent the escalation of crises. Having a safety plan in place empowers individuals to take control of their mental health and provides clear guidelines for those offering support. For more information, you can check out this Safety Planning Guide from the Suicide Prevention Resource Centre.

Crisis Intervention Training (CIT)

A second branch of de-escalation supports includes the essential implementation of comprehensive mental health training for frontline responders, such as law enforcement officers, educators, coaches, parents, and healthcare professionals. These CIT programs focus on understanding mental health conditions and emphasize de-escalation techniques, empathy-building, and effective communication techniques to equip individuals with the skills needed to manage challenging situations without resorting to force, empowering them to respond appropriately and compassionately in these high-stress scenarios. (Cross et al., 2014) Additionally, fostering collaboration between mental health professionals and community organizations can create a network of support that addresses underlying issues before they reach a critical point. This might involve establishing crisis intervention teams that include mental health professionals alongside traditional emergency responders. (Teller et al., 2006)

Recognizing the potential impact of trauma on mental health is essential in providing effective support during crises. A trauma-informed approach emphasizes safety, trust, collaboration, and empowerment. By considering the potential trauma background of individuals, supporters can tailor their interventions to avoid re-traumatization and promote healing. (Isobel et al., 2021)

Access to Professional Help

And finally, having access to professional help may seem like an obvious thing to point out, but many individuals have limited (or no) access to mental health care professionals. And while immediate support from friends, family, or community members is valuable, professional help is often necessary for long-term solutions. Technology can play a role here. Mobile applications and online platforms can provide easier access to resources (e.g., crisis helplines, virtual counseling services), ensuring that individuals have immediate access to support when needed. (Lattie et al., 2020)

De-escalating emerging mental health crises requires a holistic and compassionate approach. By prioritizing prevention and early intervention through a multifaceted approach that includes active listening, empathy, crisis intervention training, trauma-informed strategies, safety plans, and access to professional help, individuals and communities can foster environments that promote mental well-being. Ultimately, reducing the frequency of mental health crises, mitigating the need for more intensive interventions, and creating a supportive network that values and prioritizes mental health can contribute to the overall resilience of everyone, not just individuals facing mental health challenges.

Bibliography

Altabef, D., Meier, S., Reynolds, A., Delucia, J., & Friedling, L. (2017). Therapist response to a distressed client: Differences in active listening and changes in negative affect. Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 17(3), 234-239.

Cross, A. B., Mulvey, E. P., Schubert, C. A., Griffin, P. A., Filone, S., Winckworth-Prejsnar, K., ... & Heilbrun, K. (2014). An agenda for advancing research on crisis intervention teams for mental health emergencies. Psychiatric Services, 65(4), 530-536.

Hallett, N., & Dickens, G. L. (2015). De‐escalation: A survey of clinical staff in a secure mental health inpatient service. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 24(4), 324-333.

Isobel, S., Wilson, A., Gill, K., & Howe, D. (2021). ‘What would a trauma‐informed mental health service look like?’Perspectives of people who access services. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 30(2), 495-505.

Lattie, E. G., Nicholas, J., Knapp, A. A., Skerl, J. J., Kaiser, S. M., & Mohr, D. C. (2020). Opportunities for and tensions surrounding the use of technology-enabled mental health services in community mental health care. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 47, 138-149.

Spandler, H., & Stickley, T. (2011). No hope without compassion: the importance of compassion in recovery-focused mental health services. Journal of Mental Health, 20(6), 555-566.

Teller, J. L., Munetz, M. R., Gil, K. M., & Ritter, C. (2006). Crisis intervention team training for police officers responding to mental disturbance calls. Psychiatric services, 57(2), 232-237.