Non Emergency Support

Learn what steps to take if the person who is mentally ill is:

• in danger of physical injury
• out of control
• talking about suicide
• posing a threat to the safety of other persons

Keep a list of important information so that you will know how to obtain services when you need them. Consult ahead of time, if possible, with a mental health professional.  In Elgin, contact Ecker Center for Behavioral Health's 24/7 Crisis line at 888 ECKER-50 (888-325-3750).

If you sense deterioration in a relative's mental condition, try to find out what is going on. Is he/she just having a bad day? Watch for early warning signs. If signs persist, try to get your relative to see a psychiatrist or social worker. The objective is to avert a crisis.

If you need to phone for help, keep in your possession written information about the family member's diagnosis, medications and the specific event or behavior that caused you concern. It may be useful to have several copies to give to the police and to mental health professionals.

Family members may be at a loss as to how to react when someone they love is in crisis. Remember that the illness is no one's fault, nor is it the fault of the person who is in crisis. Most mental illnesses are considered to be biochemical disorders of the brain diagnosable by their symptoms and treatable. Many families contact their church or religious organization and find comfort and support sharing their concerns with other members of your religious organization. Some referrals can be found with a church.

Remember:

A person in crisis can have difficulty thinking and hearing, so keep  communication simple. If your relative is seeing, hearing, or feeling  things that are not real, do not argue, deny or try to reason with  him/her at this time. Instead, assure the person that you love him/her, and understand that what he/she is experiencing is real and that you want to help.

Always be honest. Your relative needs to know that you can be trusted.   Discuss the need for hospitalization if this is a possibility, or  suggest that he/she get help immediately by talking with a doctor or  therapist.  Gentle repetition of the same message by family members and  friends can help.  Encourage someone who is on medication to take that  medication regularly; encourage him/her to see the prescribing doctor if experiencing unpleasant symptoms.

Families need to know how to be effective in getting help for a relative who has a serious mental illness. They need to know what questions to ask, what people to see and especially where to go for help when they feel overwhelmed and discouraged.  

Do not be afraid or ashamed to acknowledge that you are the relative of a person who has a brain disorder. This is the first step in removing the stigma attached to mental illness.

DO KEEP A RECORD OF EVERYTHING. Keep all notices and letters. List names, addresses, phone numbers, dates of crisis, events, admissions to hospitals and dates of discharge. Make notes of conversations and conferences.

Be polite and keep conversations to the point. Do not allow yourself to be intimidated; do not try to intimidate services providers. Sometimes it helps to take a family or friend with you.

If your relative is age 18 or older, request his or her permission to review all relative information. If your relative does not want to grant full permission, ask for written permission to receive certain specific information such as medications prescribed and the treatment plan.

Write letters of appreciation when warranted; write letters of criticism when needed. Send these to the hospital supervisor or agency director with copies to anyone else who may be involved.  Send copies, if warranted, to your legislature or other state officials if you get no response. 

Do not accept a vague answer or a statement which seems confusing.  If a clinician says, "We are observing your son/daughter carefully,"  recognize that this statement provides you with NO information!  If you are told that the medication may cause extra-pyramidal side effects, ask for an explanation.

Keep you relative informed about everything you plan to do.  An individual with a mental illness appreciates being treated with respect and dignity. If he or she disapproves of your action he or she may wish to handle it differently.

Lobby our legislators for mental health services.

Be assertive.You are paying, directly or indirectly through your taxes, and are entitled to information, respect and courtesy. You are not asking for favors; you are simply helping to get the job done.