Training Module on the Right to Mental Health for Faith-Based Organizations - Possibility of danger – Does the person pose harm to themselves or others? Is there an imminent danger? Is the person suicidal? Has the person engaged in risky behavior? • Knowing when to make a referral - It is important to be aware of the warning signs that a person with mental health problems or conditions might be manifesting. A timely referral could make a difference in terms of mitigating the circumstances a person is currently experiencing, treatment of the behavioral disturbance, and suicide prevention. - A psychiatric emergency is any disturbances in thought, emotions, behavior, or cognition that warrant immediate referral to a mental health professional or a medical doctor. Individuals with changes in any of the abovementioned would greatly benefit from timely intervention. • Here are some of the conditions that warrant immediate referral to mental health professionals: - Sudden changes in the person’s behavior include diminished alertness, disorientation, memory impairment, inability to concentrate and sustain one’s attention, which may indicate a medical emergency. - The person poses a threat to themselves and to others such as violent behavior which includes physical and verbal violence. Best predictors of violence include history of violent acts, persons under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs, and a history of child abuse. - Here are some signs of impending violence:  Recent acts of violence  Verbal or physical threat  Currently under the state of intoxication either from alcohol or illicit drugs  Increasing agitation  Poor self-control or impulsivity  Individuals manifesting active hallucinations and delusions psychotic symptoms such as  Being a victim of physical or sexual abuse, or rape - Suicide is a psychiatric emergency that warrants immediate attention, even mere suicidal thoughts. - Here are some signs and symptoms that increase the risk of suicide:• Best predictor of suicide risk is the presence of previous suicide attempt  The top predictor of suicide risk is the presence of previous suicide attempts 19