Perspectives of Mania and Psychosis

4/1/2016

Today’s clinic featured Nils Rosenbaum MD, Steve Bringe, and Rasma Cox talking about perspectives of mania and psychosis. Steve and Rasma are part of the Mental Health Response Advisory Committee as Peers. They are also the president and vice president of the Depression Bipolar Support Alliance.

Steve wanted me to share his information, which is:
Steve Bringe
505-514-6750
skbringe@gmail.com

It was great to hear them open up about what it is like living with a mental illness. The term consumer has been given to someone who is living with a mental illness but locally consumers prefer to be called peers. After hearing them talk and asking questions here are some do’s and don’t in a time a crisis for first responders

Do’s

Treat a crisis as you are the advocate for the person
A team approach with the subject helps with rapport and buy in
A child’s attempt at suicide may look different than an adults but should be taken just as serious
Taking a less commanding approach can help build rapport
Asking rather than telling someone to do things gains faster compliance
Open body language
Treat the person as a person and not an illness or call
Ask what you can do to help the person

Don’ts

Negative body language like crossed arms
Ordering to do simple tasks like sitting down
Talk down to someone in crisis
Treat the person in need as a criminal
Not allow someone access to their medication

If you are interesting in including a class for your CIT training or in-service that is similar to this presentation see the attached instructor and student guides, which are a 1st draft of this class by Nils Rosenbaum MD.

My favorite line from this that really stuck to me was:
“Officers are our advocates for our health when we cannot advocate for ourselves”