(TXT) View source
       
       # Mental Health Emergency
       
       Abrupt changes in thinking, behavior, hallucinations, and severe
       confusion can be frightening for the person experiencing it, and also
       for the people around them.
       
       When someone's thinking and perceptions cause them to want to hurt
       themselves or others, it becomes an emergency and they need help
       quickly.  As with any other emergency, first try to check breathing,
       stop any bleeding, and check for other physical injuries.  Then
       reassuring, calming and comforting a person having a mental health
       emergency can save lives.
       
       > If someone says he wants to hurt himself or others, believe him.
       
       If the person is dangerous to others, it is often easier to move
       other people away than to move him.  You may need help to make him
       and the area around him safe.  And look out for your own safety as
       well.
       
 (IMG) Calm listening
       
       If he says he wants to hurt or kill himself, the first thing he needs
       is someone to listen calmly.  Ask gentle questions, to show you care
       and to be sure you understand.  Your questioning can help to
       interrupt his thoughts and distract him from his purpose.
       
       Step 1: Ask if he plans to hurt himself or someone else, or if he has
       already done so.
       
 (IMG) Ask questions
       
       Step 2: Ask how he plans to do it, and if he has the means to do it.
       The more specific the plan, the more serious the problem.
       
 (IMG) Ask for specific details
       
       Step 3: Ask the person to make an agreement that he will not hurt
       himself or others.  Take away the means he would use to hurt himself
       or others.
       
 (IMG) Make a temporary agreement
 (IMG) Take away the means
       Happy helping ☃ here: You tried to output a spurious TAB character. This will break gopher. Please review your scripts. Have a nice day!
       Making an agreement like this can keep someone OK long enough to get
       more lasting help.  Do not leave him alone.  Stay with the person, or
       have family members or friends stay with him.  Make sure he stays
       sober and does not drink alcohol or use drugs.  Alcohol or drugs can
       further cloud his judgement and make self-harm more likely.  It may
       be helpful to seek the help of spiritual or community leaders who he
       respects.  Following up to see that he continues to get help, and to
       show that you care about him, is important.
       
       > Asking someone if he wants to kill himself does not make him more
       > likely to do so.
       
       > from NEW WHERE THERE IS NO DOCTOR © Hesperian Health Guides,
       > 1919 Addison St Ste 304, Berkeley, CA, 94704, 1.510.845.1447,
       > hesperian@hesperian.org