Mental Health Emergencies, Crises & Problems
Mental Health Emergencies - A mental health emergency is a situation that requires immediate care because of possible serious harm and/or death. The following should be considered mental health emergencies:● Suicide attempt.
● Suicidal thoughts with intent/a plan.
● Homicidal thoughts/harm to others.
● Acute Psychosis (often involving hallucinations and/or delusions).
● Threatening behavior/Agitation.
● Victim of Interpersonal Violence/Sexual Assault.
● Acute Drug Intoxication/Overdose.
● Victim of Physical Assault.
Mental Health Crisis - non-life-threatening situations that require urgent attention within 24 hours. Depending on the circumstances some of these may rise to a mental health emergency. The following should be considered mental health crisis:
● Active homicidal thoughts, intent, or plan.
● Active suicidal thoughts, intent, or plan.
● Catastrophic injury.
● Manic episode.
● Severe panic attacks.
● Significant loss or death directly impacting the athlete.
● Trauma reaction.
Mental Health Problems - situations that can wait 24-72 hours for a response without placing an athlete in jeopardy. The following should be considered mental health problems:
● "All-or-nothing” thinking.
● Academic difficulty.
● ADHD assessment.
● Problems managing anger.
● Changes in eating/sleeping habits.
● Decreased interest in activities.
● Drug or alcohol abuse.
● Excessive worry or fear
● Family problems.
● Loss of/sudden changes in emotion.
● Negative self-talk.
● Overuse injuries, resolved injuries, or continually being injured.
● Relationship problems.
● Retirement from sport.
● Unexplained wounds or deliberate self-harm.
● Withdrawing from social contact.
● Retirement from sport.