Join Kristen in a conversation about autism and mental health. This is not a replacement for medical advice. If you believe you are having a mental health crisis, please call or text 988 or go to your local emergency room.
What is a mental health crisis?
An individual is having a mental health crisis if they are having thoughts of harming themselves or others, have attempted suicide or hurt themself, are hearing voices that are not there or are seeing things that others do not see and do not have the supports they need to manage their psychiatric symptoms.
Autistic adults are at risk of mental health crises
Autistic adults are a higher risk of mental health crises due to difficulties navigating the social world, sensory sensitivities, and misdiagnosis. In fact, 54-94% of autistic individuals have co-occurring psychiatric disorders. Research suggests that autistic people experience higher levels of depression (26%), anxiety (24%), and psychosis (18%). Untreated psychiatric conditions in autistic adults are associated with adaptive functioning impairments, difficulties with employment and independent living, and poor quality of life. This is a big deal! A sobering 36% of psychiatric hospitalizations involve autistic adults compared to 12% for adults with other mental health conditions. The three most common co-occurring conditions leading to psychiatric hospitalization in autistic adults in 2019 were schizophrenia (30.4%), Depression (25.4%), and Bipolar Disorder (19.9%).
What are some strategies for self-help?
- Get to know your triggers through journaling and/or work with a therapist. Be aware of sensory sensitivities, physical signs, and the emotional feelings you are having that may lead to dysregulation.
- Establish a consistent daily routine which includes good sleep hygiene.
- Minimize sensory stimuli that might lead to overwhelm.
- Exercise
- Engage in a special interest
- Talk with a therapist or trusted friend or partner
Creating a safety plan
Develop a safety plan for yourself before a crisis occurs. This should include:
- “I feel when I start to get anxious…”: (Warning signs)
- “I can try…”: (Coping strategies)
- “I can talk to…”: (Support network)
- “I can go to…”: (Safe places)
- “I can use…”: (Communication methods)
A good phone app that includes all of these sections is Safety Plan. It can easily be downloaded for Apple or Android from the app store. Fill it out with someone you trust during a period of calm.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, reach out to a trusted friend, partner, therapist, psychiatrist, or clergy; call or text 988; or go to your local emergency room.