Recognizing signs of a mental health crisis

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Earlier this week, we told you about the anonymous donation made to East Grand Rapids Public Schools for $1 million. That money will be used for it support district mental health resources.

Part of this is training so staff know what to look for in someone who is struggling.

So what are the signs and symptoms of a mental health crisis?

Be good is a mental health suicide prevention education program in Grand Rapids with an action plan that is proven to save lives.

Christy Buck, the program’s executive director, says to start by noticing changes in a person’s behaviors and risk factors that may affect their daily life.

In general, sadness, anger, difficulty concentrating, overeating or not eating are some behavioral changes to look for.

Risk factors include physical injury, bullying, and a family history of the disease. Other risk factors can be financial stress, pressure at home, school or work.

“Sometimes people want to pin it down to one thing, but it’s many things,” Buck said. “But then I want to look for changes in their behavior for two weeks or more. And those are changes in their ability and how they’re going to school going to work going about their daily activities and in engaged and satisfying relationships.”

Experts say that if you notice these changes, approach that person and start a conversation with them. Say something like, “I’ve noticed that you haven’t been coming to work on time lately. Is everything okay?”

Ask them out for a cup of coffee and show that you are concerned and that you care.

Additionally, if you give someone a mental health resource like a phone number to a therapist or a website, follow up with them to see if they’ve reached out.

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