What is a mental health crisis? is a very good question to ask and one which I've struggled with in the past. I'm going to suggest that if YOU feel that your H needs intervention for whatever reason outside of normal hours, when access to his regular health care provider is not possible, then I would call the Acute Care Team and discuss it with them. They will be able to do an over-the-phone assessment and advise you on what to do and at the very least steer you in the right direction if they themselves are unable to help. In my mind a mental health crisis does not necessarily only refer to situations in which safety is at risk but can also refer to an acute worsening of a persons condition which may require intervention via an urgent assessment and/or admission to hospital. Inability to function adequately and care for onself (e.g. not eating, tending to personal hygiene, mental/physical shut down, etc), loss of the control of their emotions (crying uncontrollably, hysteria, etc) , act/think inappropriately or irrationally (e.g. delusions, psychosis, etc), sudden non-compliance with medication, as well as any behaviour which involves risk to the safety of themself or others. I would suggest discussing the criteria with the person who armed you with their number so that they can further elaborate and clarify when they believe a call is required. If in any doubt whatsoever about the well-being of your H at a time when access to other support is limited please don't hesitate to call them.
Janna ❤️
