In simple terms, if you find yourself at breaking point, in great distress, at risk of harming yourself or others, or are unable to care for yourself, you are deemed to be in mental health crisis.

These crisis situations can be brought on by a wide range of triggers including:

• stress at home (such as conflict or abuse)
• exposure to trauma or neglect
• stress at work or school
• financial worries
• health concerns

People with a recognised disorder such as BPD are at greater risk of experiencing crisis, though it can happen to anyone.

When we are experiencing crisis, that is when we need the most support. Reach out to your mental health professional, or visit your local A&E if you feel you in immediate danger.

You should have a crisis plan laid out at a time when you are well, which includes details of your GP, community mental health team, details of your sychiatrist/psychologist/therapist, any medication you are taking, and anyone you want to notify if you are in crisis. You can also include support resources for your family, so they can be taken care of while they are supporting you.

Having this plan means that the people around you will know what to do, and what your wishes are, if you are not well enough to seek help.

A mental health crisis is not necessarily suicide attempts or physically harming yourself, it can manifest in many ways:

• unable to do normal daily activities such as showering, brushing teeth, getting dressed
• withdrawing from social situations
• displaying impulsive or reckless behaviour
• having dramatic shifts in mood
• dispalying anger and violent outbursts
• talking about death, or insinuating that they would like to end their life
• problems eating and sleeping