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What is a crisis or critical incident? · Wellbeing Solutions - Ask A Counsellor

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  SPEAKER_00: Crisis intervention services exist.
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  SPEAKER_00: When you're experiencing a crisis, knowing where to turn can be difficult, particularly when you're distressed and trying to work out how serious the situation is.
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  SPEAKER_00: Different crisis services exist for different levels and types of need, and you don't have to wait until you feel completely unable to cope before seeking support.
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  SPEAKER_00: If there is an immediate threat to life or safety, emergency services are the appropriate response.
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  SPEAKER_00: This might include a serious injury, overdose, immediate risk of suicide or serious self-harm, violence or a situation where you or somebody else cannot be kept safe.
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  SPEAKER_00: For an urgent mental health crisis that doesn't require an emergency response, NHS Urgent Mental Health Services can provide assessment and advice.
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  SPEAKER_00: In England, NHS 111 can help people access urgent mental health support.
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  SPEAKER_00: Depending on your circumstances and where you live, you may also be supported by a local crisis resolution and home treatment team or another community mental health crisis service.
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  SPEAKER_00: These services can access what is happening, help manage immediate risk, and determine what further care or follow-up may be needed.
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  SPEAKER_00: Accident and emergency departments can also provide help where there is an urgent medical or mental health concern, particularly where someone has been injured, taken an overdose, or needs immediate assessment.
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  SPEAKER_00: Your GP can be another important route into support, especially when you're struggling significantly but the situation isn't an immediate emergency.
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  SPEAKER_00: They can assess your mental health, discuss treatment, and help you access other appropriate services.
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  SPEAKER_00: There are also specialist crisis services for particular circumstances.
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  SPEAKER_00: These might include domestic abuse services, sexual assault referral services, substance misuse services, safeguarding services, and organisations supporting people affected by bereavement or traumatic events.
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  SPEAKER_00: Some workplaces provide an employee assistance program or EAP.
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  SPEAKER_00: An EAP can offer confidential emotional support and may help you identify appropriate services.
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  SPEAKER_00: However, an EAP isn't a replacement for emergency or specialist crisis care where there is an immediate safety risk.
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  SPEAKER_00: Helplines and listening services can also provide valuable emotional support during periods of intense distress, particularly if you need someone to talk to while accessing further help.
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  SPEAKER_00: If you're supporting somebody else in crisis, you don't have to assess or manage serious risk by yourself.
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  SPEAKER_00: Ask appropriate professionals for help.
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  SPEAKER_00: When you're overwhelmed, focus on the level of support you need right now.
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  SPEAKER_00: If there is an immediate danger, use emergency services.
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  SPEAKER_00: If you need urgent mental health support, contact the appropriate NHS urgent service.
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  SPEAKER_00: And if you're struggling but safe, reach out to your GP, EAP, treatment provider, or another appropriate professional.
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  SPEAKER_00: The important thing is not to wait for a crisis to become unbearable before deciding that you're entitled to ask for help.