Environmental Health and Safety
Mental health Emergency
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Mental Health Emergency
A mental health emergency is any situation involving individuals in distress who are unable to appropriately manage themselves.
A mental health emergency or psychological crisis may include:
- Suicidal behavior
- An individual threatening harm to themselves and/or others
- A psychotic break (sudden loss of contact with reality and or bizarre behavior)
- An unusual or prolonged reaction to traumatic event(s)
- Any behavior that is unreasonably disturbing to the academic, work or living environment
Response procedures
- Contact University Police at (111)
- Call the College Counseling Center at 792-7805 (Mon – Fri, 8:30 am – 5pm)
For any unusual or potentially dangerous situation:
- Never try to handle a situation that is potentially dangerous to you or others. Call University Police at (111).
- Clearly state that immediate assistance is needed. Report your name, where you are calling from and the nature of the problem.
- All suicide attempts need to be reported to University Police so that proper procedures can be followed to ensure the safety of those involved.
Avoiding violent situations
- Inform your supervisor and University Police about any individuals deemed to be threatening or dangerous.
Eliminate opportunities for violence by:
- Alerting University Police.
- Knowing your escape route.
- Placing a barrier between yourself and the aggressor.
- Using effective people / communication skills.
- Having a second person with you.
Reacting to violent situations:
- Maintain eye contact and a positive posture to send out positive signals.
- Do not touch or approach a person who may become violent.
- Keeps the person talking as you maintain a controlled, calm demeanor.
- Show concern yet maintain a safe distance; avoid being alone with the person.
- Call (111) or have someone else contact University Police.
Some signs of distress include:
- Increased irritability.
- Undue aggressiveness or abrasive behavior.
- Infrequent class attendance.
- Excess procrastination.
- Little or no work completed.
- Poorly prepared work.
- Marked change in personal hygiene.
- Withdrawal.
- Dependency (the student who hangs around or makes excessive appointments to see you).
- Excess indecisiveness.
- Confusion.
The “Do’s”
- Do openly acknowledge that you are aware of his or her distress.
- Do let him or her know that you are concerned about his or her welfare.
- Do tell him or her that you are willing to help.
- Do listen carefully to what he or she is troubled about.
- Do try to see the issue from his or her point of view without necessarily agreeing or disagreeing.
- Do help him or her explore alternatives.
- Do make a referral to an appropriate campus department.
The “Don’ts”
- Don’t ignore the unusual behavior.
- Don’t make the problem your own.
- Don’t involve yourself beyond the limits of your time or skill.