Report: What do we mean by a Mental Health Crisis?
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Healthwatch Newcastle aimed to investigate the gap between public understanding of crisis situations and the actual crisis support provided by healthcare professionals and services. Misunderstandings about mental health crisis management services may lead to individuals ineffectively communicating their needs or misunderstand the treatment options available to them, which can hamper their recovery process. It may also result in individuals being unaware of the resources and support networks available to them. This can limit their access to appropriate care. They undertook a survey to which 171 people responded.
While awareness of mental health issues has improved, gaps remain in education, accessibility, and service effectiveness. Participants defined a mental health crisis in various ways, often describing it as a "brain illness" or "extreme pressure in the brain." These definitions often differed from the formal crisis definition (where someone feels at a breaking point and needs urgent help), emphasising the need for person-centred support rather than a rigid, one-size-fits-all approach.
A significant portion of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with mental health crisis services, believing their crisis needs were not well addressed. Furthermore, a large proportion of respondents would turn to emergency services such as 999 or 111 first during a mental health crisis, as they would for any other health emergency, which suggests a lack of awareness or confidence in non-emergency crisis support options. Stigma, uncertainty, and lack of trust in services remain key barriers.
Healthwatch Newcastle believe there is a need for improved public education on mental health crisis support options beyond emergency services. Additionally, better signposting to mental health resources in GP practices, workplaces, and schools is required. More effort is required by mental health services to target outreach to engage men and other individuals who may hesitate to seek help. Finally, there is a need for stronger integration between mental health services, GPs, and community organisations..