At Black Diamond Consulting, we understand the importance of providing comprehensive training to church security teams. One crucial aspect of their role involves recognizing and effectively managing mental health crises. In our Crisis Intervention Training, we equip professionals with the skills needed to identify signs of a mental health crisis, assess immediate risks, and engage in effective communication. By following these guidelines, security team members can play a pivotal role in de-escalating challenging situations and ensuring the safety and well-being of all those involved.

Recognizing Signs of a Mental Health Crisis:

The first step in crisis intervention is recognizing signs of a mental health crisis. It is essential to be observant and attentive to individuals who may display the following behaviors:

• Aggressive or violent behavior
• Expressions of suicidal thoughts or intent
• Severe self-harm or threats of self-harm
• Loss of touch with reality (e.g., hallucinations, delusions)
• Inability to care for oneself or meet basic needs
• Overwhelming distress or emotional instability
• Inability to communicate effectively or coherently

Assessing Immediate Risk and Safety:

Once signs of a mental health crisis are recognized, it is crucial to assess the immediate risk and safety of the individual. Consider the following steps:

• Determine if the person poses an immediate threat to themselves or others.
• Evaluate the severity of self-harm or potential harm to others.
• Consider the presence of weapons or dangerous objects.
• Remove any objects that may pose a risk or threat.
• If necessary, gently and non-confrontationally redirect the individual's attention away from potentially harmful actions.

Engaging in Effective Communication:

Effective communication is vital during a crisis. It helps establish rapport and trust with the individual in distress. Follow these guidelines for effective communication:

• Approach the individual calmly and respectfully.
• Use active listening skills to gather information and understand their current state.
• Speak in a calm and soothing tone, using simple and clear language.
• Ask open-ended questions to assess their mental and emotional state.
• Validate their feelings and experiences without judgment.
• Show empathy, actively listen, and demonstrate understanding and support.
• Maintain a comfortable physical distance, respecting personal boundaries.

Staying Calm and Composed:

Security team members must remain calm and composed during a crisis to help reassure the person in distress. Consider the following:

• Demonstrate composure and confidence to help instill a sense of stability.
• Control your own emotions and reactions, as your behavior can influence the individual's response.

Employing Active Crisis Intervention Strategies:

Active crisis intervention strategies can help individuals express their emotions, find hope, and identify coping mechanisms. Here are some effective strategies to employ:

• Encourage the individual to express their emotions and thoughts, providing them with an outlet for their distress.
• Offer reassurance and hope, emphasizing that help is available and that they are not alone.
• Avoid making promises or guarantees that cannot be fulfilled.
• Identify any coping strategies or resources that may be helpful in the moment.

In some cases, emergency services or mental health professionals may need to be involved. Follow these steps:

• Contact emergency services if the situation poses an immediate threat to the individual or others. This includes situations such as active suicidal intent, severe self-harm, aggressive or violent behavior, or an individual who is unresponsive or unable to care for themselves.
• Maintain communication with emergency services or mental health professionals, providing them with essential information about the crisis situation.
• Follow any instructions or guidance provided by professionals to ensure the individual's safety and appropriate care.

Crisis Intervention Training equips church security teams with the necessary skills to identify signs of a mental health crisis, assess risks, and engage in effective communication. By employing these strategies, team members can play a vital role in de-escalating situations, providing support, and ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. Remember, crisis intervention requires empathy, active listening, and collaboration with emergency services or mental health professionals when necessary. Together, we can create a safer and more compassionate environment for all.