Emotionally Disturbed Person and Mental Health Emergency
A mental health emergency is any situation involving individuals in distress who are unable to appropriately manage themselves.
A mental health emergency or psychological crisis may include:
- Suicidal behavior
- An individual threatening harm to himself, herself and/or others
- A psychotic break (sudden loss of contact with reality and/or bizarre behavior)
- An unusual or prolonged reaction to traumatic event(s)
- Any behavior that is unreasonably disturbing to the academic, work or living environment
For quick responses:
- Call the Office of Campus and Community Safety Services at extension 5444 or 5445.
- Call the Office of Personal Counseling, extension 5363 (Monday, Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m.–4:45 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday, 9 a.m.–7:30 p.m.)
For any unusual or potentially dangerous situation:
- Never try to handle a situation that is potentially dangerous to you or others. Call the Office of Campus and Community Safety Services at extension 5444 or 5445.
- Clearly state that immediate assistance is needed. Give your name, location and the nature of the problem.
- All suicide attempts need to be reported to the Office of Campus and Community Safety Services so that proper procedures can be followed to ensure the safety of those involved.
Avoiding Violent Situations
Inform your supervisor or the Office of Campus and Community Safety Services about any individual(s) deemed to be threatening or dangerous, or exhibiting unusual behavior or disorganized thoughts (e.g., yelling, using profanity, waving arms and fists, pounding on a door or desk, damaging property, throwing objects).
Eliminate opportunities for violence by:
- Alerting the Office of Campus and Community Safety Services at extension 5444 or 5445.
- Knowing your escape route.
- Placing a barrier between yourself and the aggressor.
- Using effective people/communication skills to defuse aggression.
- Having a second person with you.
Reacting to Violent Situations
- Maintain eye contact with the aggressor.
- Do not touch or approach a person who may become violent.
- Keep the person talking as you maintain a controlled, calm demeanor.
- Show concern yet maintain a safe distance; avoid being alone with the person.
- Call, or have someone else call, the Office of Campus and Community Safety Services at extension 5444 or 5445.
