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In the common perception, a mental health crisis is often associated with an acute, unpredictable mental state that demands immediate clinical intervention, often through hospitalization or medication. However, a new perspective from Emilie Hudson, a doctoral student under the guidance of Professor Marie-Hélène Goulet at Université de Montréal, challenges this narrow view. Hudson’s research, published in the International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, provides a broader, more nuanced understanding of mental health crises, calling for a shift in how these situations are approached both in clinical settings and in society.
While traditional definitions of a mental health crisis focus on individual distress and immediate needs, Hudson’s analysis emphasizes the importance of social, structural, and interpersonal factors that contribute to or help resolve such crises. Through a thorough review of scientific literature, Hudson developed a new definition that takes into account not only the precipitating factors of a crisis but also its attributes and long-term consequences.
“A mental health crisis is much more than an emergency situation where the person ends up in the hospital for acute care,” Hudson explained. “It’s about all the factors at play—social, structural, and interpersonal—that shape a person’s experience before, during, and after the crisis.”
Her research highlights three critical dimensions of a mental health crisis:
- Antecedents – These include underlying vulnerabilities, relationship dysfunctions, and challenges with everyday activities.
- Attributes – This refers to the temporal nature of the crisis, its symptoms, functional decline, and the emotional toll it takes on loved ones.
- Consequences – These encompass help-seeking behavior, the opportunities for support, and the potential dangers that may arise if the crisis is not properly addressed.
Hudson also sheds light on a significant divide between the language used by mental health professionals and those who have experienced a crisis. Clinicians often refer to these situations in clinical terms like “psychiatric emergency” or “mental health emergency,” while individuals who have gone through a crisis are more likely to describe it using metaphorical terms such as “collapse,” “vicious circle,” or “being in a fog.”
“This suggests a need to reconsider the language and framework we use when thinking about mental health,” Hudson said. “By taking a more holistic and nuanced approach to care, we can begin to understand the whole person and better address their needs.”
Hudson’s findings also have implications for mental health care delivery. By incorporating a broader range of factors—such as social context and interpersonal relationships—into assessments and interventions, clinical teams, as well as police and frontline responders, can be better equipped to meet the diverse needs of individuals in crisis.
The hope is that by embracing a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to mental health crises, the treatment and support systems will evolve to offer more meaningful and effective care for those affected.
For further reading, Hudson’s research can be found in the International Journal of Mental Health Nursing (2024).
Source: Emilie Hudson et al, “Mental Health Crisis: An Evolutionary Concept Analysis,” International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, DOI: 10.1111/inm.13412.
