Explore Ideas for Help and Support

It can be beneficial to explore options for support when you are not in a crisis, so you have information ready for times when you might need it. Here are some ideas

• Talk to your GP and inquire about treatment and support options.
• Contact your local Mind organisation to see if they offer day services or other forms of support during a crisis.
• Make a list of helplines and listening services, including their contact details and operating hours.
• Read information on different types of mental health problems, self-care strategies during a crisis, and organisations that provide assistance.
• Consider engaging in peer support to connect with individuals who have similar experiences and learn about different services and coping techniques.
• Create a self-care box filled with comforting or distracting items that work for you. Having it prepared in advance can be helpful when it's challenging to come up with ideas during a crisis.
• Explore local recovery colleges that offer courses on mental health and recovery in a supportive environment
• Learn about social care services that support individuals struggling with day-to-day activities. Refer to our guide to health and social care rights for more information.

Make Plans with Friends or Family

Talking to people close to you about how you would prefer to manage a crisis can be a proactive way to plan for the future.

Consider discussing the following points and documenting your decisions

• How they can help you recognise the signs of a crisis.
• The type of support you would like from them.
• Who they should contact in case of a crisis.
• Your preferred treatment options.

You may also discuss the possibility of your friend or family member acting as your advocate. Additionally, depending on your diagnosis, you may be offered family intervention services that focus on facilitating communication among family members, identifying helpful strategies, problem-solving, and crisis planning. Consult yourgpto learn if such services are available in your area.

Make an Advance Statement

In situations where experiencing a mental health crisis might impair your ability to make decisions about your treatment (known as losing capacity), making an advance statement can be beneficial. An advance statement is a written statement outlining your preferences if you lose capacity.

It can include

• Your preferred treatment options.
• Whom you would like to be contacted in a crisis.
• Spiritual or religious views and requests.
• Your food preferences.

You can seek assistance from your GP, care coordinator, psychiatrist, or other healthcare professionals to create an advance statement. It's important to note that advance statements are not legally binding, but healthcare professionals should consider your wishes whenever possible. For more information about your rights if you lose capacity, refer to our pages on the Mental Capacity Act.

Examples Of Advanced Statements

Advanced statements are pretty much your lifesavers when it comes to shaping your own mental health care, especially when you're going through a rough patch. These are nifty documents that can even be legally binding, and they spell out exactly how you'd like to be treated if you're not in a position to make choices down the line.

It's like leaving future-you a helpful roadmap. Fancy taking a closer look? Scroll down to explore some examples that cover different parts of mental health care. They're super handy!