Know your Supports
Name one example of a personal support.
Answer: A trusted friend, family member, partner, sponsor, or trusted peer.
You had a stressful day and need someone to talk to. You are safe. Who could you contact?
Answer: Trusted friend/family member or another personal support.
You are lonely and want someone to talk to. Crisis or emergency?
Answer: Neither. A trusted person may be appropriate.
What is one phone number everyone should know for mental-health crisis support?
Answer: 988
“You have been feeling increasingly overwhelmed for several days. Your normal coping skills aren't helping. You are experiencing strong emotional distress, but you are currently safe and are not experiencing a medical emergency. You don't know what to do next.”
What would be an appropriate next step, and why?
Contacting a professional/crisis support such as a therapist, counselor, treatment provider, or 988 would be appropriate. A trusted person could also be part of the support plan. The important point is to reach out before the situation becomes an emergency.
Name one example of a professional support.
Answer: Therapist, counselor, case manager, doctor, psychiatrist, or crisis counselor.
You are experiencing strong emotions and your normal coping strategies aren't working. What could you do?
Answer: Contact a therapist, crisis counselor, 988, or another professional support.
You are experiencing significant emotional distress and need immediate support. What resource could you contact?
Answer: 988/crisis support or a mental-health professional.
Name one thing you could write under “My Warning Signs.”
Any personal sign that indicates increasing distress, such as isolating, intense anxiety, increased cravings, hopelessness, or difficulty functioning.
What is an example of environmental support?
Answer: A safe place, treatment center, support group, community center, or another environment that promotes safety.
You notice that you have been isolating from others, sleeping more than usual, and losing interest in activities you normally enjoy. What could you do?
Reach out to a trusted person, therapist, counselor, or another professional support before the situation becomes more serious.
Someone has taken too much medication and is difficult to wake up. What should you do?
Answer: Call 911 immediately.
Name two things you could put under “Things That Help Me Cope.”
Answer: Examples: walking, listening to music, calling someone, grounding exercises, breathing exercises, journaling, attending a support group.
True or False: You should only use your support system when you are already in a serious crisis.
Answer: False. Reaching out early can help prevent a situation from becoming more serious.
You are feeling increasingly overwhelmed and aren't sure whether you need professional help. What resource could help you figure out your next step?
Answer: 988 or another crisis/professional support.
Someone is having serious difficulty breathing after using a substance. What should you do?
Answer: Call 911 immediately.
Why should you put trusted people's names and contact information on your crisis card?
Answer: So you don't have to figure out who to contact while you're already overwhelmed.
Why is it helpful to have several different types of support?
Answer: Different people and resources can provide different kinds of emotional, practical, professional, and safety support.
You realize that you are becoming overwhelmed but haven't reached a crisis yet. What is one thing you can do?
Answer: Use your support system early, practice coping skills, move to a safe environment, and/or contact a trusted or professional support.
Someone is at immediate risk of seriously harming themselves and cannot stay safe. What level of support is needed?
Answer: Emergency help—911 or the nearest Emergency Department.
Complete this sentence:
“When I notice that I am beginning to experience a crisis, my first step will be…”
Answer: Answers will vary