(June 21, 2017) While the Treatment Advocacy Center does not operate a crisis hotline, we do offer tips to families of loved ones with severe mental illness. Our resources for families and loved ones are a great tool to help navigate the complications of the mental illness treatment system.
Relapse and rehospitalization are, unfortunately, common in serious mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, especially among patients who have anosognosia. It is hard to think clearly during an active crisis, but there are ways to prepare for an emergency to make it faster and easier for you to respond effectively if a crisis develops.
Just planning in advance can be helpful in case of an emergency. It is important to know the laws in your state, identify diversion options and network with families in your local NAMI organization.
The more you know about the mental illness treatment system and the conditions affecting your loved one, the better equipped and more effective your advocacy will be.