A partner ministry of The General Commission on Religion and Race | | |
Spring 2025
Volume 15, #3
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TheVOICE
of the
United Methodist
Disability Connection
MENTAL HEALTH EDITION
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Greetings and welcome to The Voice, Mental Health Edition!
The theme for this newsletter is "Crisis." Having a mental health diagnosis can lead to personal crises. Whether it is depression eating away at us, crippling anxiety, imminent financial ruin from mania, or a psychotic break, crisis occurs in many ways.
The articles in this issue discuss what crisis is, how to respond, and how it affects those of us with mental health struggles. At the end of this newsletter, there are links to connect you or someone you love with assistance.
Crisis doesn't need to define us. It can be the impetus to direct our lives onto a better path. It is not something to be ashamed of. It's not a moral weakness.
And remember, whether the crisis affects you, a loved one, or a church member, you are not alone! We journey with you in the struggle to live our best lives.
Jasmine Ray-Symms, MA
Newsletter editor,
Mental Health Team
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Describing Crisis
Responding to a Mental Health Crisis
This Time
What to Say?
Crisis Links
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One way of describing crisis is this: a time when all we can see are trees of problems instead of the forest of God’s grace. There are just so many problems (trees) or perhaps it is one insurmountable problem (a giant sequoia!). Whatever we face, crisis interferes with our ability to think, to see options, and to cope.
“Crisis is an acute emotional upset; it is manifested in an inability to cope emotionally, cognitively, or behaviorally and to solve problems as usual.” (CDC Definition)
Perhaps one thing to remember is that crisis is very personal. In other words, what one person experiences as a crisis, another person experiences as an inconvenience or bump on the road of life.
Years ago, a presenter described a “bucket of coping mechanisms" we each have. When this bucket is empty, we may experience crisis. This can happen when a series of small crises pile up: a child falls and must go to the ER, the dog gets out and runs away, a grandparent who lives a few hundred miles away is seriously ill, or the boss gives an extra assignment. We can cope individually with any of these, but when the combination overwhelms our ability to cope, even one more small thing is too much to handle.
Have you ever met someone overwhelmed by that one more small thing? As they talk, it sounds like someone on a merry-go-round. They can describe the problem(s), but only see one possible solution. Could they hear other solutions and get off the ride? For some, it may be as simple as hearing other perspectives. They might find a small step that could lead them to a solution IF they could listen.
Other people isolate themselves, rejecting any other way of looking at a problem. Such isolation increases the feeling that this problem has no solution ... and the crisis continues.
Crisis can occur in our lives at any time. Sometimes outside events such as fire, hurricanes, or floods are experienced by a community. These difficult times of crisis happen, often unexpectedly. The question is often this: do members of the community work together or does each person have to go it alone? The more isolated a person feels or becomes, the harder it is to cope with such a crisis.
When a person is already isolated, dealing with any crisis is more difficult. This can be especially true for anyone with an underlying mental health problem. A person with major depression can already feel overwhelmed, seeing no answer (other than death) to anything. In anxiety, everything may already feel like a crisis; something new just adds to the list. For those in a manic episode, hearing and using practical ideas may be impossible. Schizophrenia presents its own issues.
What or how do we help a person in crisis?
1) Listen. Sometimes all the other person needs is someone to really listen.
2) Offer realistic small steps the person in crisis can do.
3) Help them to make connections instead of isolating themselves.
4) Know what help is available in your community and/or how to find help.
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Contributed by Evelyn Madison, Susquehanna Conference
Photo by Nik on Unsplash
| | Responding to a Mental Health Crisis | | |
What is a mental health crisis? “A mental health crisis is any situation in which a person’s behavior puts them at risk of hurting themselves or others or prevents them from meeting their basic survival needs (e.g., eating, drinking water, managing their health or well-being, etc.) in such a way that their safety is at risk.” (NAMI)
Signs and symptoms someone is experiencing a mental health crisis include:
- Inability to complete the usual tasks of daily living
- Neglect of personal hygiene
- Changes in sleep habits
- Weight loss or gain
- Decline in performance at work or school
- Changes in mood
- Withdrawal from usual activities, family, and friends
- Expressing thoughts of self-harm
- Abnormal or impulsive actions
(American Psychological Association)
When someone is experiencing a mental health crisis, expeditious and timely intervention is necessary to safeguard the safety and well-being of the person in crisis. Demonstrating your sincere care for them is the first step and should be done in an empathetic way that respects their privacy and personhood. Brené Brown says, “Empathy has no script. There is no right way or wrong way to do it. It’s simply listening, holding space, withholding judgment, emotionally connecting, and communicating that incredibly healing message of ‘you’re not alone.' " (Quoted in THNK's Top Picks)
Active listening is essential to help the person feel seen and heard. Paying attention to the body language of the person in crisis is important - sometimes the person’s words may not match what their body language is saying. Patience is crucial because the person in crisis may have trouble communicating easily and clearly.
Open-ended questions can help the person better express what is happening, i.e., “Can you tell me more about that?” Reflective listening helps clarify that the listener is interpreting what is said correctly, i.e., ”I think I understood you to say that you were angry with your friend." Encouraging the person to reflect on useful skills that helped when a crisis occurred in the past can remind them of their personal strengths and offer hope.
It takes courage to respond to someone in a mental health crisis because the person’s safety may be in jeopardy. This may require asking the person if there are thoughts or plans of self-harm or taking their life. There is no need to worry that mentioning the word “suicide” will cause or lead someone to those actions. The more likely outcome is that your willingness to ask those questions will save someone’s life.
When a person expresses suicidal thoughts or plans, it is crucial to secure their safety. With the person’s permission, this may mean contacting family or friends for them or calling 988, the suicide crisis line. If necessary for the person’s safety, contact 911 or arrange for the person to get to an Emergency Department. Although the person is experiencing a crisis, it is important to allow them to be involved in decisions about future steps for any care or treatment, according to their capacity at the time.
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I have a mental illness. I was diagnosed at 14 with bipolar and schizoaffective disorders in my 20’s. My particular delusion is being literally in hell with Satan tormenting me and demon bugs crawling over my skin. As a Christian, it is my worst nightmare. While I can become suicidal at times, there is no escape from Hell so even suicide doesn’t offer relief.
I have been in crisis multiple times. I will be again as feelings of helplessness or being lost and alone overwhelm me. Sometimes these moments come and go on their own but sometimes the pain is so great and my torment so palpable that I need intervention. I need people to reach out to me. I rely on counselors and psychiatrists to step up and I even turn to a psychiatric ward to stabilize me. My goal is to return home – hopefully in a better state than where I was before. I hold onto the hope that THIS TIME I will get the help I need to escape my hell. This time I won’t be swallowed up by the agony of being unable to take the pain anymore. I send up prayers as I call out in tears, begging God for relief, wondering what I have done to deserve such a fate.
When I am in crisis, I need love and support, but I fear judgment. While my diagnosis isn’t my fault, too often I see myself as a failure for not being able to face life on my own. There is a medical cause for my illness that needs a medical answer but still, I fear the pain of being ostracized. When I was 12 years old I first attempted suicide. The other parents feared my being a negative influence on their children, so I didn’t get the support I so desperately needed. Those memories continue to haunt me decades later.
I’m lucky. I have a solid support system I can rely on. Not everyone is as fortunate. Too often, we fall through the cracks. We don’t have people who understand or medical help to intervene. But crisis doesn’t have to be the end of the story. While it has taken decades to stabilize me, I have moments, like now, when I can be happy and productive. I’ve been able to act as editor of this newsletter along with engaging in other ministries. God is with me in the crisis and with me when I’m stabilized. Sometimes, I just need others to remind me that they are with me, too.
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Contributed by Jasmine Ray-Symms, Pacific Northwest Conference
Photo by Neil Thomas on Unsplash
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Crises can involve anything from a death of a loved one to something that affects our community such as a tornado or a shooting. By their very nature crises are some of the most difficult situations we encounter as human beings.
During a crisis we tend to want the people involved to be safe and we want the crisis to be over, preferably as quickly as possible! However, once the crisis is over, or when we are helping those affected along the way, one of the most difficult things is knowing how to respond to the individuals involved. How do we know what to say? We can sometimes fear, especially if we don’t know the person, “what if I say the wrong thing?” or believe “I am not trained in these things.” It can feel difficult but it doesn’t have to be difficult.
Consider the basic statements listed below. Say them now, possibly to a family member, so you can get used to them and see what feels right for you. It is important to know that there are few exact and no required words. These are suggestions. There may be some you don’t feel comfortable with; that is fine. Pick one or two that work for you. If you find others, use them!
Seven Helpful Statements For Use in a Crisis:
- “I’m here for you.” This simple phrase lets them know you are present and supportive.
- “It’s ok to feel this way.” Validating their emotions normalizes their experience.
- “I care about you.” Expressing concern and love can be a lifeline.
- ”You are not alone; we can face this together.” Reassuring them of support is crucial.
- “I don’t have all the answers but I am here to listen.” Acknowledge limitations while offering support.
- “If you want to tell me more, I am here to listen.” Offer a safe space for sharing.
- “What can I do to help?” Ask what specific support they need.
These statements, among others, should provide basic help in most crisis situations. Know your limitations. Seek guidance before a crisis happens. Perhaps you can get a mental health response committee together at your church and talk with your pastor and/or a community resource person who can help you be better prepared.
If crisis occurs, and when appropriate, encourage seeking professional help. If possible, assist the person in calling 988 or another helpline number. Then let the person know you will continue to be there for them, and follow through!
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Crisis Text Line: Text "HOME" to 741741 for free crisis counseling.
https://www.crisistextline.org/. (24/7)
Disaster Distress Helpline: Call or text 1-800-985-5990 for free, multilingual, crisis support disaster crisis counseling. https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/helplines/disaster-distress-helpline (24/7)
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI):
National Sexual Assault Hotline and Online Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673); Provides confidential crisis support for those who have been sexually assaulted. https://hotline.rainn.org/online.
National 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for free, confidential support ; Spanish: 1-888-628-9454; Deaf or Hard of hearing: 1-800-799-4899. https://988lifeline.org/. (24/7)
Pathways 2 Promise: Comprehensive listing of crisis lines and resources. https://www.pathways2promise.org/in-crisis
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline: Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357), TTY: 800-487-4889. For additional information on finding help and treatment options, visit https://findtreatment.gov/. General Questions about SAMHSA, including information about mental and substance use disorders: https://www.samhsa.gov/; 877-SAMHSA-7 (726-4727); TTY: 800-487-4889 (24/7)
Trans Lifeline: 1-877-565-8860. Transgender Suicide Hotline. Confidential peer support for trans and questioning - call even if you are not in crisis. Press option #2 for Spanish. https://translifeline.org/hotline/. (available M-F 1-9pm Eastern time except holidays)
Veteran's Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-Talk, then press #1; or dial 988 and press #1. Or text 838255. Available to all veterans. veteranscrisisline.net. (24/7)
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The Mental Health Team is a group of lay and clergy representing US UMC annual conferences who meet monthly by Zoom. We are looking for new members to join us in living out this call.
As always, we welcome your questions, feedback, and suggestions. Please send them to us at the committee e-mail address and include "Mental Health" in your subject line.
Mental Health Team of the Disability Ministries Committee of The United Methodist Church
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