Schizophrenia Crisis Plan

I’ve found the local National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) chapter and located a peer-to-peer support group just as my doctor recommended. In group we spoke of crisis plans in depth. I thought it was best if my family knew these questions as well, just in case the need should arise.

• What are the signs and symptoms during the crisis? Be alert to suicidal ideation.
• When and where was the person when the signs and symptoms first occurred? Be aware of risks for self-harm.
• Did the person with schizophrenia notice the same signs as the crisis grew?
• What was done to handle the crisis? Did it help or hurt? Be supportive.
• Were there recognizable warning signs of possible relapse (tension, anxiety, and nervousness, concentration problems, Irritability, social withdrawal, sleep disturbances, depression issues, doing things that are out of character, and altering medication without doctor approval)?
• What things would improve how crises are managed? Look for solutions.
• What are the future plans to stave off similar situations? Have strategies in mind.
• How will crises be responded to from now on? Keep a list.

I think my family knows to first contact my treatment team (family practice doctor, psychotherapist, clinic social worker, and my psychiatrist). But what if it happens when I’m on a jobsite? I think they’d know to contact my family and they’d take it from there; but how can I be certain unless I don’t give them a brief summary of my illness.