Preparedness for people with mental illnesses
It can be hard to feel prepared for anything when you’ve got a mental health disorder. Below is a list of things that I’ve done to prepare myself for events ranging from forgetting the details of my medications to the possibility of being unable to make decisions for myself.
Keep a list of medications with important personal information
I take many medications for both mental and physical issues daily, but it was hard to keep track of them. To make that easier, I started carrying a list with me in my wallet. This way, when doctors asked about my medication, I could just give them the list. It turned out to be really helpful and the doctors and nurses appreciated it as well.
Over time, I began to realize that the list could be more important than I had thought. What if I ever became unconscious and was taken to the hospital? Now, in addition to my medications, I also keep my contact info, a list of my conditions, the contact information of primary care physician and psychiatrist. I also include a notification that I have an advance directive with my boyfriend’s contact information. He now has a copy of my list as well. That way, he has all the information in case I am unable to provide it.
Many phones also now have a place where you can save your medication list and other important info. I still like to have the paper copy as well to cover all my bases though. In some cases, the paper in my wallet may be easier to find. I fold it up, mark it as “Emergency Info” and highlight that in yellow. I made a blank, editable template of the list I use for anyone that wants to use it. You can find it on the Resources page under “Templates”.
Carry at least one day’s worth of pills with you
After starting meds, spontaneous decisions to stay with friends were out of the question unless I could stop at home and get my pills. Then I moved to an area where snowstorms happen every winter. Someone recommended that I keep a change of clothes in my car in case I was ever unable to get home from work. If I needed clothes, I would definitely need my meds too. Ever since then I’ve always carried a day’s worth of my pills in a small pill case. You can keep a container with your pills in a purse, backpack, car, or even just your pocket if you want. If, for some reason, you were stuck and needed more, your pharmacy may be able to help, but insurance may not cover it.
Have at least one person locally who you can call if you’re experiencing symptoms or in an emergency
Having a friend you can trust is incredibly important. In college, I found people with whom I felt comfortable disclosing my mental health problems quite quickly. When I was living on my own in the real world, I was a bit more hesitant. I did ultimately find someone who got to know me well enough that I felt comfortable disclosing though.
While it can be nerve-wracking to disclose, it’s important to have someone local to whom you can turn. That way you’ve got someone who’s there for you if you need someone to help make sure you’re doing okay or need a couch you can crash on when you’re afraid to be alone.
An advance directive
Healthcare and psychiatric advance directives are legal documents that come into effect when you are unable to make decisions for yourself. The advance directive allows you to spell out your wishes. This includes what kinds of treatment you would like, as well as the things you do not want. There are only a few circumstances in which your advance directive may be over-ridden.
An advance directive also allows you to choose an agent to act on your behalf, should it come into effect. This ensures that the person making decisions for you is someone you trust to advocate for you with your best interest in mind. If you do not have an advance directive, your state will appoint someone for you.
Laws surrounding advance directives differ from state to state to state, so check your state’s regulations. The National Resource on Psychiatric Advance Directives has a great deal of information about advance directives and the various state laws surrounding them.
Know how to find crisis numbers
In the event that you or a loved one are in crisis, it is important to know how to find the numbers of people and groups who can help you. This includes your psychiatrist, psychologist, national hotlines and text lines, and 911. On the Resources page of this website, you will find some of the major crisis hotlines as well as the crisis text line.
If you or a loved one are having a mental health emergency and are in immediate danger, call 911 and make sure to let them know it is a mental health emergency. In some areas, first responders go through special training on how to handle mental health crises. If you let the 911 operator know that it’s a mental health crisis, they can send first responders who have undergone training, if they are available.
Hopefully this will give you ideas on how you can feel prepared yourself. Is there anything you do to prepare for unexpected situations? Share it in the comments!
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