 Sometimes families or caregivers see changes in a child’s behavior that may indicate a crisis may be developing; while other times the crisis occurs suddenly and without warning. You may be able to de-escalate or prevent a crisis from happening by identifying early changes in your child’s behavior, such as an unusual reaction to daily tasks or an increase in their stress level. Families may want to keep a journal or calendar documenting what happened right before the behaviors that are of concern. A sample journal is included in the back of this booklet. Here are some warning signs of a mental health crisis: Unable to cope with daily tasks
Rapid mood swings
Increased agitation
Displays abusive behavior
Loses touch with reality (psychosis)
Isolation from school, work, family, friends
Unexplained physical symptoms
What are the Warning Signs of Suicide? Any of the following may be warning signs for suicide:
How to respond:
If you think your child or another youth may need help right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) OR TEXT “MN” TO 741741 OR CALL **CRISIS or *274747. Your call is free and confidential. Trained crisis workers in your area can assist you and the child in deciding what they need right now. Research by: Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE); American Association for Suicidology (AAS); Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) and National Center for the Prevention of Youth Suicide 2015. Learn more by reading NAMI Minnesota's "Mental Health Crisis Planning for Children" booklet. NAMI MinnesotaThis content was taken from NAMI Minnesota's Mental Health Crisis Planning for Children booklet.  1. Introduce yourself. Describe who you are and why you are speaking or writing. Knowing your name and where you live helps legislators remember you and feel connected. Complete the following sentence or write your own: I’m (name) and I’m from (county or city). 2. Let your legislator or committee members know what you are advocating for. If possible, name a specific bill. Complete the following sentence or write your own: I’m (writing or here today) to ask for your support to build our mental health system. 3. Let your legislator or committee members know how you are impacted by mental illnesses. This gives a real face to mental illnesses and recovery. Complete the following sentence or write your own: I (live with or am a parent of a child or have a relative/friend with) a mental illness. 4. Tell your story. To tell your story effectively, answer the following questions in a few sentences:
Complete the following sentence or write your own: Before I/we got the help I/we needed, I/we went through some challenging times such as...
Complete the following sentence or write your own: The support I get from my (name of service or type of professional) has helped me manage my (main diagnosis or mental health condition).
Complete one of the following sentences or write your own. Today, I am (a peer-support specialist; working part time; living on my own; doing much better; hopeful, staying out of jail/hospital, etc.). 5. Make your point. Help others by giving a brief positive message about mental health services and recovery. Complete one of the following sentences or write your own: Mental health services are an investment in recovery. I'm living proof. Mental illnesses are common and recovery is possible. Many people have mental illnesses like mine. With mental health services, people can experience recovery. Author: NAMI MinnesotaYou can sign up for NAMI Minnesota's Legislative updates here.  COVID-19 is making almost everything more difficult, including mental health advocacy at the state legislature. With a remote session, we have to do more to effectively engage legislators. NAMI Minnesota is doing their best to represent people with mental illnesses, but your help is needed if we are going to have a successful legislative session and pass bills to build our mental health system. The most powerful tool you have as an advocate is your personal story. (Click to Tweet)  You don't need to know all the facts, all you need is your personal experience with the mental health system and your insight into the parts of our system that are working or need improvement.
These are just a few areas where they could use your insights. Telling your story is important and it's easier than you might think. All you need to do is capture the following details in one page or less:
A story can be anonymous if you like, or you can just use your first name if that's what you're comfortable with at this time. Once you've written your story, please send it to namihelps@namimn.org. If you'd also like it to be considered for publication on this blog, send it our way as well at namiwashingtoncounty@namimn.org. Thank you for joining our advocacy team as a storyteller! Author: NAMI MinnesotaYou can sign up for NAMI Minnesota's Legislative updates here. |
