How prepared are you to handle a mental health crisis?

Quiz Questions

• 1.
  How equipped do you feel to get outside help for your mental health if needed? (Select all that apply).

  • A.
    Great! I regularly get therapy/counseling/medication and/or know how to access mental health services if I needed to.
  • B.
    Unsure but I could likely figure it out.
  • C.
    I would likely need more help or support.
  • D.
    Unsure - in the past, services failed to adequately support me.
• 2.
  How equipped do you feel to talk about mental health with someone else?

  • A.
    Very! I regularly check in with friend and/or family about their emotions and/or mental health.
  • B.
    Very! I have personally dealt with a mental health crisis, either for myself or someone who I supported.
  • C.
    Unsure - I still have questions about what is best to say or do.
  • D.
    Not equipped - I wouldn't know what to say or do.
• 3.
  T/F: Talking about suicide increases the risk of suicide. 

  • A.
    True - Talking about it can introduce the idea.
  • B.
    False - Suicidal thoughts do not appear due to suggestion. Talking about it, in a validating way, allows people to feel more connected, less hopeless, and more likely to admit how they are feeling. This can diminish the secrecy and disconnection that can drive suicidality.
• 4.
  Warning signs of a crisis include:

  • A.
    a. Social withdrawl and/or major changes in mood, sleep, eating, and other behavior.
  • B.
    b. Previous attempts, death of friends or loved ones, or other major life changes such as breakups
  • C.
    c. Preoccupation with death, suicidal thoughts, and disinterest in the future
  • D.
    d. Preparing wills, giving away prized possessions, and getting affairs in order
• 5.
  T/F: All thoughts of death qualify as suicidal ideation

  • A.
    True - any thoughts should be considered a mental health crisis.
  • B.
    False - thoughts exist on a continuum from passing thought to ideation. When someone has intention and/or a plan is most concerning and warrants immediate help.
• 6.
  Warning signs of mental illness in general include:

  • A.
    Major changes that negatively impact functioning including mood, sleep, eating, socializing, and other behavior.
  • B.
    A conscious choice to be irritable, sad, irrational, anxious, or other similar emotions.
• 7.
  T/F: In order to support someone struggling with their mental health -  try to help them fix their illness with plans and suggestions.

  • A.
    True - if you fix their mental health, they will feel better, and likely have not thought of possible solutions.
  • B.
    False - Validation is the most powerful tool. Rather than dismissing or trying to “fix”, try validating words like “that sounds so hard”, "that sounds upsetting/scary" and “thank you for sharing with me”.
• 8.
  T/F: If someone asks, you should keep their suicidal ideation a secret from those who could help

  • A.
    True. They are trusting you with personal information that is not within your right to share.
  • B.
    False. It is better that they are upset with you than dead.
• 9.
  How should you respond if someone asks if you can keep their suicidal ideation a secret?

  • A.
    I appreciate you sharing this with me, and I care too much about you to keep this a secret.
  • B.
    I'm going to call a hotline for help -- do you want me to do that on my own, or do you want to be involved in the call?
• 10.
  T/F: If someone is suicidal, they will bring it up. There is no need to directly ask them.

  • A.
    True - as long as they know I am a supportive person who they can talk to, this should be no different to bring up than other topics.
  • B.
    False - just as you may be uncomfortable with the topic, they may be too, especially if they are worried about being judged or not believed. You can, and should, directly ask them if they are thinking about killing themself, harming themself, or suicide.
• 11.
  Once you start helping someone with their mental health, or find out they are in crisis you should:

  • A.
    Not leave them if they are in imminent danger or actively suicidal
  • B.
    Set boundaries for yourself
  • C.
    Get outside resources, especially those that will make difficult decisions for you (i.e. if you should take them to the hospital)
  • D.
    Feel responsible if they are not getting better, or something happens to them
• 12.
  How should I encourage someone to get outside help (outside of when they need to be hospitalized to keep them safe)?

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  • A.
    Tell them they should go, and constantly ask them if they have yet. If you bother them enough, they'll give in and go.
  • B.
    Make an appointment and take them without them knowing. They clearly aren't in a position to be making decisions
  • C.
    Offer your support (i.e. offer to book the appointment, to go with them, make a list) but ultimately they need to make the decision.
• 13.
  T/F: I should only go to a therapist if I am 100% sure I need help. 

  • A.
    True - there is likely someone struggling more than I am that could benefit more.
  • B.
    False - it's the therapist's job to determine if you can benefit from services, and if they have openings, no one else is using that time slot.
• 14.
  Resources include (all of these!)

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  • A.
    Hotlines for crisis, or help determining if someone is in crisis, like the suicide hotline (800-273-8255)
  • B.
    Warmlines for someone in distress, but not actively suicidal (search the web for those that serve your area)
  • C.
    Healthcare workers - primary care providers, therapists, counselors, and more
  • D.
    Support groups (online and in person), self-help programs and books

Quiz Outcomes

• 1.
  You’re... Just Starting to Learn about Mental Health!

  Image Source

  Kudos to you for wanting to learn more! Your curiosity and compassion are assets in your mental health journey. As you start supporting yourself and those around you, the best way to feel prepared is to know where to go for help and support. You won't always know the answers, or what to do, and you don't have to!Want to know what you got wrong? Need more resources and support? I've got you covered. What makes us qualified to talk about mental health?Hey 👋 My name’s Molly Fennig, and this is Peach, and we educate about mental health to help people (and those they support) be happier and healthier!At Swarthmore College I got a degree in Neuroscience, lead a club to promote campus mental health, and did research on a variety of brain-based illnesses. Afterwards, I worked on a warmline, coordinated eating disorder research full-time, and did psychological counseling for a research trial. I wrote a young adult book, Starvation, about a teen boy wrestler coping with suicidality, eating disorders, and more. I've also written a number of peer-reviewed scientific research articles, and mental health short stories published in literary journals. Currently, I am a PhD student in clinical psychology at Washington University in St. Louis with a focus on eating disorders.Through PetPartners, Peach got her certification as a therapy dog. She has logged lots of hours of cuddling and emotional support. More generally, she has two AKC trick dog certifications, and loves to do agility.Answer key:1. T/F: Talking about suicide increases the risk of suicide. False - Suicidal thoughts do not appear due to suggestion. Talking about it, in a validating way, allows people to feel more connected, less hopeless, and more likely to admit how they are feeling. This can diminish the secrecy and disconnection that can drive suicidality.2. Warning signs of a crisis include:All of the above. Social withdrawl and/or major changes in mood, sleep, eating, and other behavior. Previous attempts, death of friends or loved ones, or other major life changes such as breakups. Preoccupation with death, suicidal thoughts, and disinterest in the future. Preparing wills, giving away prized possessions, and getting affairs in order3. T/F: All thoughts of death qualify as suicidal ideationFalse - thoughts exist on a continuum from passing thought to ideation. When someone has intention and/or a plan is most concerning and warrants immediate help.4. Warning signs of mental illness in general include:a. Major changes that negatively impact functioning including mood, sleep, eating, socializing, and other behavior.5. T/F: try to help them fix their illness with plans and suggestions.False - Validation is the most powerful tool. Rather than dismissing or trying to “fix”, try validating words like “that sounds so hard”, "that sounds upsetting/scary" and “thank you for sharing with me”.6. T/F: If someone asks, you should keep their suicidal ideation a secret from those who could helpFalse - It is better that they are upset with you than dead.7. How should you respond if someone asks if you can keep their suicidal ideation a secret?a and b. I appreciate you sharing this with me, and I care too much about you to keep this a secret. AND I'm going to call a hotline for help -- do you want me to do that on my own, or do you want to be involved in the call?8. T/F: If someone is suicidal, they will bring it up. There is no need to directly ask them.False - just as you may be uncomfortable with the topic, they may be too, especially if they are worried about being judged or not believed. You can, and should, directly ask them if they are thinking about killing themself, harming themself, or suicide.9. Once you start helping someone with their mental health, or find out they are in crisis you should:a, b, and c: Not leave them if they are in imminent danger or actively suicidal. Set boundaries for yourself. Get outside resources, especially those that will make difficult decisions for you (i.e. if you should take them to the hospital)NOT D- Please do not feel responsible if they are not getting better, or something happens to them. 10. How should I encourage someone to get outside help (outside of when they need to be hospitalized to keep them safe)?c - Offer your support (i.e. offer to book the appointment, to go with them, make a list) but ultimately they need to make the decision.11. T/F: I should only go to a therapist if I am 100% sure I need help. False - it's the therapist's job to determine if you can benefit from services (spoiler: you likely can), and if they have openings, no one else is using that time slot.Here's where to go for answers and support:If you or someone you know is considering suicide, call 9-1-1 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).1) Hotlinesa. The National Suicide Prevention Line. This hotline provides free, confidential support 24/7 to people in distress across the United States. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for support.b. Crisis Text Line. Crisis Text Line provides free, confidential support via text message 24/7 to those in crisis situations. Text HOME to 741741 for support.c. The Trevor Project. The Trevor Project provides free, confidential support 24/7 to LGBTQ youth via a helpline, text and online instant messaging system. Call 1-866-488-7386 for support.d. The Veterans Crisis Line. The Veterans Crisis line provides free, confidential support 24/7 to veterans, all service members and their family and friends in times of need. Call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1 or text 838255 for support.You can access these numbers at any time through google or at MentalHealthFirstAid.org.2) Warmlines. For when support is needed, but risk of suicide is not imminent, warmlines offer support over phone and/or text. Typically, warmlines are best if you need someone to talk to about what is going on in your life. They can transfer to hotlines if needed, and some can help refer to other resources. Mental Health America (MHA) has a list of warmlines, including the areas they serve, here. 3) Healthcare providers. Schedule a visit with your primary care provider, or send them a message, for a referral to a mental health professional. If you're in college, your campus likely has a psychological service center you can contact for an initial appointment. Otherwise, search for a therapist (by insurance type! and concern!) on Psychology Today. Contact them and try a visit with them. The first person you see may not be the best fit, as with any potential doctor, so feel free to try another if you didn't connect.I personally recommend seeing a therapist/counselor first. If needed, they can recommend you see a psychiatrist. For many common disorders, therapy is actually more effective than medication (with less side effects; APA Div 12, 2017).4) Support groups and self-help.Support groups are helpful for connecting with others experiencing similar mental health struggles, as well as for those supporting individuals with mental illness. NAMI has a list of both here. I would highly recommend seeing a therapist if possible, but if that is not feasible, self-help can be better than nothing. A variety of workbooks are available by illness type, as well as lots of resources online.To get you started, MHA has screening tools and worksheets for learning coping skills. Similarly, CCI has a list of illness-specific worksheets. 5) Locating resources.The SAMHSA Helpline. SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential information service that provides treatment and support referrals 24/7 to people facing mental illness and addictions. Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for support.Every state has confidential and free 2-1-1 Information and Referral line. Call 2-1-1 for help with food, housing, employment, health care, counseling and more.For those without insurance, HRSA Health Centers offer mental health, substance abuse, oral health, and/or vision services with rates based on income. Locate centers near you.Need to access these resources later?You can always find them on my website at mollyfennig.com/resources.
• 2.
  ​You’re... Well on Your Way to Being an Expert!

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  Congrats! You’ve got a grip on what to do in a mental health crisis, and are well on your way to learning what you don't yet know!As you build that knowledge...Want to know what you got wrong? Need more resources and support? I've got you covered. What makes us qualified to talk about mental health?Hey 👋 My name’s Molly Fennig, and this is Peach, and we educate about mental health to help people (and those they support) be happier and healthier!At Swarthmore College I got a degree in Neuroscience, lead a club to promote campus mental health, and did research on a variety of brain-based illnesses. Afterwards, I worked on a warmline, coordinated eating disorder research full-time, and did psychological counseling for a research trial. I wrote a young adult book, Starvation, about a teen boy wrestler coping with suicidality, eating disorders, and more. I've also written a number of peer-reviewed scientific research articles, and mental health short stories published in literary journals. Currently, I am a PhD student in clinical psychology at Washington University in St. Louis with a focus on eating disorders.Through PetPartners, Peach got her certification as a therapy dog. She has logged lots of hours of cuddling and emotional support. More generally, she has two AKC trick dog certifications, and loves to do agility.Answer key:1. T/F: Talking about suicide increases the risk of suicide. False - Suicidal thoughts do not appear due to suggestion. Talking about it, in a validating way, allows people to feel more connected, less hopeless, and more likely to admit how they are feeling. This can diminish the secrecy and disconnection that can drive suicidality.2. Warning signs of a crisis include:All of the above. Social withdrawl and/or major changes in mood, sleep, eating, and other behavior. Previous attempts, death of friends or loved ones, or other major life changes such as breakups. Preoccupation with death, suicidal thoughts, and disinterest in the future. Preparing wills, giving away prized possessions, and getting affairs in order3. T/F: All thoughts of death qualify as suicidal ideationFalse - thoughts exist on a continuum from passing thought to ideation. When someone has intention and/or a plan is most concerning and warrants immediate help.4. Warning signs of mental illness in general include:a. Major changes that negatively impact functioning including mood, sleep, eating, socializing, and other behavior.5. T/F: try to help them fix their illness with plans and suggestions.False - Validation is the most powerful tool. Rather than dismissing or trying to “fix”, try validating words like “that sounds so hard”, "that sounds upsetting/scary" and “thank you for sharing with me”.6. T/F: If someone asks, you should keep their suicidal ideation a secret from those who could helpFalse - It is better that they are upset with you than dead.7. How should you respond if someone asks if you can keep their suicidal ideation a secret?a and b. I appreciate you sharing this with me, and I care too much about you to keep this a secret. AND I'm going to call a hotline for help -- do you want me to do that on my own, or do you want to be involved in the call?8. T/F: If someone is suicidal, they will bring it up. There is no need to directly ask them.False - just as you may be uncomfortable with the topic, they may be too, especially if they are worried about being judged or not believed. You can, and should, directly ask them if they are thinking about killing themself, harming themself, or suicide.9. Once you start helping someone with their mental health, or find out they are in crisis you should:a, b, and c: Not leave them if they are in imminent danger or actively suicidal. Set boundaries for yourself. Get outside resources, especially those that will make difficult decisions for you (i.e. if you should take them to the hospital)NOT D- Please do not feel responsible if they are not getting better, or something happens to them. 10. How should I encourage someone to get outside help (outside of when they need to be hospitalized to keep them safe)?c - Offer your support (i.e. offer to book the appointment, to go with them, make a list) but ultimately they need to make the decision.11. T/F: I should only go to a therapist if I am 100% sure I need help. False - it's the therapist's job to determine if you can benefit from services (spoiler: you likely can), and if they have openings, no one else is using that time slot.Here's where to go for answers and support:If you or someone you know is considering suicide, call 9-1-1 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).1) Hotlinesa. The National Suicide Prevention Line. This hotline provides free, confidential support 24/7 to people in distress across the United States. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for support.b. Crisis Text Line. Crisis Text Line provides free, confidential support via text message 24/7 to those in crisis situations. Text HOME to 741741 for support.c. The Trevor Project. The Trevor Project provides free, confidential support 24/7 to LGBTQ youth via a helpline, text and online instant messaging system. Call 1-866-488-7386 for support.d. The Veterans Crisis Line. The Veterans Crisis line provides free, confidential support 24/7 to veterans, all service members and their family and friends in times of need. Call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1 or text 838255 for support.You can access these numbers at any time through google or at MentalHealthFirstAid.org.2) Warmlines. For when support is needed, but risk of suicide is not imminent, warmlines offer support over phone and/or text. Typically, warmlines are best if you need someone to talk to about what is going on in your life. They can transfer to hotlines if needed, and some can help refer to other resources. Mental Health America (MHA) has a list of warmlines, including the areas they serve, here. 3) Healthcare providers. Schedule a visit with your primary care provider, or send them a message, for a referral to a mental health professional. If you're in college, your campus likely has a psychological service center you can contact for an initial appointment. Otherwise, search for a therapist (by insurance type! and concern!) on Psychology Today. Contact them and try a visit with them. The first person you see may not be the best fit, as with any potential doctor, so feel free to try another if you didn't connect.I personally recommend seeing a therapist/counselor first. If needed, they can recommend you see a psychiatrist. For many common disorders, therapy is actually more effective than medication (with less side effects; APA Div 12, 2017).4) Support groups and self-help.Support groups are helpful for connecting with others experiencing similar mental health struggles, as well as for those supporting individuals with mental illness. NAMI has a list of both here. I would highly recommend seeing a therapist if possible, but if that is not feasible, self-help can be better than nothing. A variety of workbooks are available by illness type, as well as lots of resources online.To get you started, MHA has screening tools and worksheets for learning coping skills. Similarly, CCI has a list of illness-specific worksheets. 5) Locating resources.The SAMHSA Helpline. SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential information service that provides treatment and support referrals 24/7 to people facing mental illness and addictions. Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for support.Every state has confidential and free 2-1-1 Information and Referral line. Call 2-1-1 for help with food, housing, employment, health care, counseling and more.For those without insurance, HRSA Health Centers offer mental health, substance abuse, oral health, and/or vision services with rates based on income. Locate centers near you.Need to access these resources later?You can always find them on my website at mollyfennig.com/resources.
• 3.
  You’re A... Mental Health Expert!

  Image Source

  You're a superstar. You're clearly well-equipped, empathetic, and knowledgeable. So what’s the hold-up? What makes you unsure about your ability to handle mental health situations?Want to know what you got wrong? Need more resources and support? I've got you covered. What makes us qualified to talk about mental health?Hey 👋 My name’s Molly Fennig, and this is Peach, and we educate about mental health to help people (and those they support) be happier and healthier!At Swarthmore College I got a degree in Neuroscience, lead a club to promote campus mental health, and did research on a variety of brain-based illnesses. Afterwards, I worked on a warmline, coordinated eating disorder research full-time, and did psychological counseling for a research trial. I wrote a young adult book, Starvation, about a teen boy wrestler coping with suicidality, eating disorders, and more. I've also written a number of peer-reviewed scientific research articles, and mental health short stories published in literary journals. Currently, I am a PhD student in clinical psychology at Washington University in St. Louis with a focus on eating disorders.Through PetPartners, Peach got her certification as a therapy dog. She has logged lots of hours of cuddling and emotional support. More generally, she has two AKC trick dog certifications, and loves to do agility.Answer key:1. T/F: Talking about suicide increases the risk of suicide. False - Suicidal thoughts do not appear due to suggestion. Talking about it, in a validating way, allows people to feel more connected, less hopeless, and more likely to admit how they are feeling. This can diminish the secrecy and disconnection that can drive suicidality.2. Warning signs of a crisis include:All of the above. Social withdrawl and/or major changes in mood, sleep, eating, and other behavior. Previous attempts, death of friends or loved ones, or other major life changes such as breakups. Preoccupation with death, suicidal thoughts, and disinterest in the future. Preparing wills, giving away prized possessions, and getting affairs in order3. T/F: All thoughts of death qualify as suicidal ideationFalse - thoughts exist on a continuum from passing thought to ideation. When someone has intention and/or a plan is most concerning and warrants immediate help.4. Warning signs of mental illness in general include:a. Major changes that negatively impact functioning including mood, sleep, eating, socializing, and other behavior.5. T/F: try to help them fix their illness with plans and suggestions.False - Validation is the most powerful tool. Rather than dismissing or trying to “fix”, try validating words like “that sounds so hard”, "that sounds upsetting/scary" and “thank you for sharing with me”.6. T/F: If someone asks, you should keep their suicidal ideation a secret from those who could helpFalse - It is better that they are upset with you than dead.7. How should you respond if someone asks if you can keep their suicidal ideation a secret?a and b. I appreciate you sharing this with me, and I care too much about you to keep this a secret. AND I'm going to call a hotline for help -- do you want me to do that on my own, or do you want to be involved in the call?8. T/F: If someone is suicidal, they will bring it up. There is no need to directly ask them.False - just as you may be uncomfortable with the topic, they may be too, especially if they are worried about being judged or not believed. You can, and should, directly ask them if they are thinking about killing themself, harming themself, or suicide.9. Once you start helping someone with their mental health, or find out they are in crisis you should:a, b, and c: Not leave them if they are in imminent danger or actively suicidal. Set boundaries for yourself. Get outside resources, especially those that will make difficult decisions for you (i.e. if you should take them to the hospital)NOT D- Please do not feel responsible if they are not getting better, or something happens to them. 10. How should I encourage someone to get outside help (outside of when they need to be hospitalized to keep them safe)?c - Offer your support (i.e. offer to book the appointment, to go with them, make a list) but ultimately they need to make the decision.11. T/F: I should only go to a therapist if I am 100% sure I need help. False - it's the therapist's job to determine if you can benefit from services (spoiler: you likely can), and if they have openings, no one else is using that time slot.Here's where to go for answers and support:If you or someone you know is considering suicide, call 9-1-1 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).1) Hotlinesa. The National Suicide Prevention Line. This hotline provides free, confidential support 24/7 to people in distress across the United States. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for support.b. Crisis Text Line. Crisis Text Line provides free, confidential support via text message 24/7 to those in crisis situations. Text HOME to 741741 for support.c. The Trevor Project. The Trevor Project provides free, confidential support 24/7 to LGBTQ youth via a helpline, text and online instant messaging system. Call 1-866-488-7386 for support.d. The Veterans Crisis Line. The Veterans Crisis line provides free, confidential support 24/7 to veterans, all service members and their family and friends in times of need. Call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1 or text 838255 for support.You can access these numbers at any time through google or at MentalHealthFirstAid.org.2) Warmlines. For when support is needed, but risk of suicide is not imminent, warmlines offer support over phone and/or text. Typically, warmlines are best if you need someone to talk to about what is going on in your life. They can transfer to hotlines if needed, and some can help refer to other resources. Mental Health America (MHA) has a list of warmlines, including the areas they serve, here. 3) Healthcare providers. Schedule a visit with your primary care provider, or send them a message, for a referral to a mental health professional. If you're in college, your campus likely has a psychological service center you can contact for an initial appointment. Otherwise, search for a therapist (by insurance type! and concern!) on Psychology Today. Contact them and try a visit with them. The first person you see may not be the best fit, as with any potential doctor, so feel free to try another if you didn't connect.I personally recommend seeing a therapist/counselor first. If needed, they can recommend you see a psychiatrist. For many common disorders, therapy is actually more effective than medication (with less side effects; APA Div 12, 2017).4) Support groups and self-help.Support groups are helpful for connecting with others experiencing similar mental health struggles, as well as for those supporting individuals with mental illness. NAMI has a list of both here. I would highly recommend seeing a therapist if possible, but if that is not feasible, self-help can be better than nothing. A variety of workbooks are available by illness type, as well as lots of resources online.To get you started, MHA has screening tools and worksheets for learning coping skills. Similarly, CCI has a list of illness-specific worksheets. 5) Locating resources.The SAMHSA Helpline. SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential information service that provides treatment and support referrals 24/7 to people facing mental illness and addictions. Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for support.Every state has confidential and free 2-1-1 Information and Referral line. Call 2-1-1 for help with food, housing, employment, health care, counseling and more.For those without insurance, HRSA Health Centers offer mental health, substance abuse, oral health, and/or vision services with rates based on income. Locate centers near you.Need to access these resources later?You can always find them on my website at mollyfennig.com/resources.