Useful Information In A Crisis
If you need support during a mental health crisis or emergency you should seek help immediately.
If a Crisis Occurs During Working Hours
If your loved one is engaged with mental health services please encourage them to contact their Key Worker or the Mental Health Community clinic. If this isn’t possible, contact them yourself to advise them of the situation and any concerns you have.
If you’re loved one is currently not engaged with mental health services encourage them to contact their GP. If this is not possible you can contact the GP and highlight your concerns in relation to risk.
If a Crisis Occurs out of Working Hours
Where there is an immediate risk of harm to your loved one or yourself, or your family member will not accompany you to the Accident and Emergency Department (A&E) or the out of hours GP service, contact your local Garda Station.
Authorised Officer
An Authorised Officer (AO) is a staff member of the Mental Health Services who is authorised to make an application to a registered medical practitioner for the involuntary admission of an adult to hospital. ( Sec. 9 of the Mental Health Act 2001).
The List of available Authorised Officers is available in the local Adult Mental Health Unit. This can be accessed by a GP when needed. Some families are not comfortable making an application for involuntary admission of their loved one and in these instances, can request the involvement of an Authorised Officer.
Telephone Emergency Services
If you have previously been given a number to call in crisis, please use it, or else
Freephone the Samaritans at 116123
Text HELLO to 50808 anytime day or night
This link https://www.mentalhealthireland.ie/get-support/ is replete with contact details if you need to talk to someone in a confidential non-judgmental way and helps point you in the right direction and in so doing, supports the recovery process.
Building a crisis plan means you are prepared for difficult times before they may happen, practical tips on what a crisis plan is, what to include in your plan and why you may need one are here.
As well as preparing for a crisis you may need to focus on a Wellness Plan to help build resilience and stay strong during difficult times. The following link can help you to focus on your health and reminds you to take better care of yourself.
You can read about the HSE Crisis Resolution Services at the link below, which is going to be rolled out nationally. The service aims to support people in their recovery journey as well as encouraging and supporting families. The link also provides additional helpful information.
As well as preparing for a crisis , you may need to focus on a Wellness Plan to help build resilience and stay strong during difficult times. The following link can help you focus on your health and reminds you to take better care of yourself.
The Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) is available here and the video below provides a brief description of WRAP. It can also help you develop a crisis plan as part of your own WRAP.
The links below are also useful.
