When you think of natural disasters or potential tragedy, you typically have a plan in place. For example, most living and commercial spaces have fire alarms and/or escape plans. Likewise, you most likely know where to go to be safe if there were a tornado.
However, do you do the same when it comes to your own “Personal Crisis Plan”? Are you prepared for taking care of yourself during a crisis?
To start, do you know common warning signs of recognizing when in crisis mode? According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, common warning signs include:
- the inability to perform daily tasks such as bathing and/or getting dressed
- rapid mood swings
- increased agitation
- high risk taking/out-of-control behavior
A mental health crisis plan is a plan of action made before crisis occurs, so that you and people in your support system know what to do when warning signs arise.
Here are some things to think about to be prepared and ready if/when crisis occurs:
I know I am triggered when:
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Safe people I can reach out to are:
- _____________________________
- _____________________________
- _____________________________
Some good ways to distract myself are:
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Coping skills I can use are:
- ____________________________
- ____________________________
Ways to keep myself and my space safe are:
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Other resources I can use to get myself care:
- _____________________________
- _____________________________
- _____________________________
Creating a plan like this will give you a blueprint to follow so that you can begin the process of care immediately. It helps you from having to rely on reacting at the moment. Your mental health deserves the same preparation as a natural disaster. In doing so, you can better learn what works for you and what doesn’t, prepare your loved ones and support team to know how to best help you, streamline recovery, and give you comfort in knowing you are prepared if/when the need arises.
No matter what, remember you are not alone. You deserve support. If you need assistance in answering some of the sections in your plan (especially when it comes to coping skills and/or other resources) let me know. I am here with and for you.
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