Crisis

What is a Mental Health Crisis?

The term Crisis can mean different things to different people and can be subjective to those involved in a crisis episode.

In Mental health, the term Crisis would often be associated to an individual experiencing an episode of confused thoughts, mania, depression, and a state of mind that could lead to risk to self and others where someone may lack control of their own thoughts or actions.

If you feel extremely distressed and worried that you might not be able to keep yourself safe, there is urgent support available, call NHS 111 — Mental health help 'Option 2'.

If you’re in immediate danger and it’s a medical emergency, call 999 straight away.

What is emotional distress or an episode of overwhelm?

It is not uncommon for children and young people with Anxiety, Autism/ASC or ADHD to experience intense overwhelming feelings that can feel scary for them and the people around them. This can heighten anxiety, distress and result in the person being unable to manage their emotions.

If you are a parent/carer or professional present when this is happening it is important to try and remain calm to avoid escalating the situation. The young person may be feeling unsafe and needs to feel they are in a safe place with safe people. These situations can feel frightening and distressing but can often be managed well with the right knowledge and guidance.

If you feel that the child or young persons’ distress or situation is posing a significant risk to themselves or others then you should follow advice for Mental Health Crisis.

If you are a young person experiencing these feelings, ask for help from someone you trust, an adult or you can find support within the 'What can I/my family do to keep me safe?' tab below.

Urgent Mental Health support

If you currently receive support from the Children and Young Peoples Mental Health Service (CYPMHS), please contact your local service Monday – Friday 9- 5pm.

If you are not already known to a mental health service and are experiencing a Mental Health Crisis, call NHS 111 — Mental health help option.

When should I request crisis support?

If you feel extremely distressed and worried that you might not be able to keep yourself safe, there is urgent support available, call NHS 111 — Mental health help Option 2. If you’re in immediate danger and it’s a medical emergency, call 999 straight away.

What can I/my family do to help keep me safe?

Kent and Medway Safe Havens

Are you feeling distressed, frightened, overwhelmed, or that things are too much for you? Don’t know where to turn to get mental health support? Are your usual sources of support closed for the night?

Kent and Medway Safe Havens offer out-of-hours mental health support to anyone aged 16+ in the Kent area. 

For more information on how to access, click here.

Mental Health Matters

The Mental Helath Matters helplines provide emotional support, advice and guidance to residents registered with a GP:

Kent and Medway contact details: 0800 107 0160  (available 24/7)

For further information click here.

National helplines

If you’d like to talk to someone in confidence about how you’re feeling, various charities provide free advice and support, including:

  • Childline: Call 0800 1111 (available 7:30am – 3:30am, seven days a week)
  • Hopeline UK (Papyrus): Call 0800 068 41 41, text 07860 039967 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org (available 9am to midnight, seven days a week)
  • Samaritans: Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org (available 24/7)
  • Shout: Text SHOUT to 85258 (available 24/7)
  • The Mix: Call 0808 808 4994 (available 3pm to midnight, seven days a week) or text THEMIX to 85258 (available 24/7)
  • YoungMinds: Text YM to 85258 (available 24/7)

What is the Crisis Response Enhanced Support Team (CREST)?

CREST can provide emergency assessments and Intensive Home Treatment (IHT).

The team complete emergency assessments within 4 hours of the referral being accepted as appropriate for this response.

Emergency assessments take place in the community, including your own home (generally not in emergency hospital settings).

Following an assessment you may be referred to local Children and Young Peoples Mental Health Service, the Intensive Home Treatment (IHT) service or other mental health support services.

Access to IHT will only be considered following a mental health assessment.