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CRISIS HELP

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If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available.  Call or text 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org to reach the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Line.


Crisis Resource Guide

 

What is a mental health crisis?

Any situation in which an individual's behaviors, accidentally or on purpose, leads a person to hurt themselves or others; or potentally renders them unable to care for themselves or function.


What are the signs?  Can include but are not limited to:

  • Inability to perform daily tasks
  • Suicidal or homicidal thinking and/or behavior
  • Acute psychotic symptoms
  • Sudden changes in mental status and violence
  • Mood swings
  • Isolation from school, work, family and friends
  • Psychosis or loses touch with reality
  • Increased agitation
  • Abusive behavior
  • Paranoia

Managing your self-care/avoiding a mental health crisis:

  • Plan ahead, evaluate the situation, organize your thoughts and specific concerns and prepare prior to meeting with your therapist or psychiatrist.  Learn more.
  • Managing Your Recovery.  This booklet includes information on illness self-management, coping strategies, and wellness tools.
  • Support and Education.

What a family member can do:


988

Crisis Hotlines in Maryland:

  • 988: 988 is finally available nationwide!  This new, three-digit number is an easy to remember way for people to connect with help and support during a mental health, substance use, or suicide crisis.  Anyone in a mental health crisis can call, text, or chat with 988 and be connected to trained crisis counselors in the 988 Sucide and Crisis Lifeline network.
  • Maryland's Statewide Information and Referral (for emergency mental health services): 211 press 1 or text zip code to 898-211.
  • Listings by County.
  • Crisis Text Line - Text "NAMI" to 741741.
  • Go to a safe place and dial 911 to ask for immediate assistance if the situation is life-threatening or if serious property damage is occuring.

Recorded Webinars:

Planning Ahead: Helping Families and Individuals Avert a Mental Health Emergency presented by Bette Stewart.

NEW: Fact Sheets!

These fact sheets are based off our recorded webinars.  Please feel free to use and distribute as you see fit:


Are you in need of additional crisis information or support?  Call us directly at NAMI Maryland's warmline: 877-878-2371.