Community Crisis Plan

Introduction:

This crisis plan serves as a supportive guide for members of our community facing various crises, including emotional distress, mental health challenges, substance abuse, and experiences of violence or abuse. It aims to direct you to appropriate resources during times of need, emphasizing that reaching out for help signifies strength and the first step towards recovery.

When to Use These Crisis Resources:

Consider utilizing these resources if you or someone you know is:

• Experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm.
• In severe emotional distress or undergoing panic attacks.
• Showing symptoms of a mental health disorder that significantly impair daily functions.
• In urgent need of support for substance abuse or addiction.
• A victim of violence or abuse, such as domestic violence, sexual assault, or child abuse.
• Feeling isolated, hopeless, or overwhelmed by crisis situations.

Immediate Support Resources:

For immediate danger to life or well-being, please dial 911 or contact local emergency services.

1. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline:

• Call or Text: 988
• Chat: 988lifeline.org
• Availability: 24/7 for anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.

2. Veterans Crisis Line:

• Call: 1-800-273-8255, then press 1
• Text: 838255
• Chat: veteranscrisisline.net
• Availability: 24/7 for veterans and their loved ones.

3. The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Support):

• Call: 1-866-488-7386
• Chat: The Trevor Project Chat
• Text: Send "START" to 678678
• Availability: 24/7 for LGBTQ young people under 25.

4. SAMHSA’s National Helpline (Substance Abuse and Mental Health):

• Call: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
• Website: samhsa.gov
• Service: Provides referral and information service for individuals facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

5. National Domestic Violence Hotline (For Victims of Violence or Abuse):

• Call: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
• Text: "START" to 88788
• Chat: thehotline.org
• Availability: 24/7 support for anyone affected by abuse and needing support, resources, or advice on how to navigate their situation.

6. Poison Control (For Poisoning Emergencies and Information):

• Call: 1-800-222-1222
• Website: poisonhelp.org
• Availability: 24/7 assistance and expert advice on poisoning emergencies and prevention.
  

  7. The National Problem Gambling Helpline in the United States can be reached through:

  • Phone: 1-800-522-4700
  • Text: Send a message to 1-800-522-4700
  • Chat: Access online chat support through their website at www.ncpgambling.org/chat

  This helpline provides confidential assistance 24/7, offering support, resources, and referrals for those affected by problem gambling.

Safety Planning:

A safety plan involves personalized strategies to stay safe while in a crisis, including identifying triggers, coping strategies, and emergency contacts. For comprehensive safety planning guidance, visit HelpGuide.org .

Gun Safety:

Responsible gun ownership and storage are critical for preventing accidents and impulsive decisions during crises:

• Store guns unloaded and locked in a gun safe or cabinet.
• Use trigger locks or cable locks to add an extra layer of security.
• Store ammunition separately in a locked location.
• Regularly educate all household members about gun safety and the importance of not handling firearms without supervision or knowledge.
• Consider temporarily removing firearms from the home during high-risk periods for anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts or emotional crises.

Local Resources:

Maintain a list of local emergency resources, such as hospitals, shelters, and community mental health services, to ensure quick access during crises.

A Personal Crisis Plan 

Creating a personal crisis plan involves preparing for potential mental health crises by identifying warning signs, coping strategies, and local resources that can provide assistance. Here's a step-by-step guide to developing your own personal crisis plan with the help of local resources:

Step 1: Recognize Your Warning Signs

• Self-awareness: Identify early warning signs that suggest a crisis might be developing. These could be changes in thoughts, feelings, or behaviors, such as increased anxiety, mood swings, or withdrawal from social activities.
• Document Signs: Keep a journal or list of these signs to help recognize when you might need to implement your crisis plan.

Step 2: Develop Coping Strategies

• Personal Coping Mechanisms: List the strategies that have helped you in the past during stressful times, such as deep breathing exercises, going for a walk, listening to music, or talking to a friend.
• Professional Techniques: If you've learned specific techniques from therapists or counselors, like mindfulness or grounding exercises, include these as well.

Step 3: Identify Your Support System

• Personal Contacts: Include contact information for friends, family members, or mentors who can provide support during a crisis.
• Professional Contacts: List contact details for your therapist, psychiatrist, or any other healthcare professionals involved in your care.

Step 4: Research Local Resources

• Social Services: Contact local social services for information on mental health support, including counseling services, support groups, or crisis intervention teams.
• Healthcare Facilities: Identify nearby hospitals or clinics that offer mental health services and note their emergency and non-emergency contact numbers.
• Community Resources: Look for local non-profits or community centers that provide mental health resources or workshops.

Step 5: Document Emergency Contacts

• Crisis Hotlines: Include national and local crisis hotline numbers, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK) or a local crisis center's hotline.
• Emergency Services: Have the number for emergency services (911 in the U.S.) readily available for situations that require immediate medical attention.

Step 6: Outline a Communication Plan

• Information Sharing: Decide in advance what information you're comfortable sharing about your mental health with friends, family, and healthcare providers during a crisis.
• Consent Forms: Consider completing consent forms that allow healthcare providers to communicate with designated friends or family members about your care.

Step 7: Make Your Plan Accessible

• Keep Copies Handy: Have copies of your crisis plan in easily accessible places, such as in your wallet, on your phone, and with a trusted friend or family member.
• Digital Copies: Store a digital version of your plan in a place that can be accessed quickly, like in an email or cloud storage.

Step 8: Review and Update Regularly

• Periodic Reviews: Revisit your crisis plan regularly to update it based on new insights, coping strategies, or changes in your support network.
• Post-Crisis Reflection: After a crisis, review your plan to assess what worked well and what could be improved.

Creating a personal crisis plan is a proactive step in managing your mental health. It's important to remember that this plan is a living document that can and should be adjusted as your needs and circumstances change. Involving your healthcare provider in the planning process can also provide valuable insights and suggestions.

Conclusion:

This crisis plan is a testament to our community's commitment to supporting each other during challenging times. Utilizing these resources and following safety precautions can pave the way for healing and recovery. Remember, you are not alone, and there is always help available.