In Crisis? 
Behavioral Health Response:
314-469-6644 or 1-800-811-4760
Life Crisis Services:
314-647-HELP
Anywhere in the country, call:
1-800-273-TALK (8255) National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)
Anywhere in the country, text:
MHA to 741741
Street Talk Newsletter
When You See Bipolar
You respond to a dispatch for a domestic disturbance. Once you’re on the scene and talking to the people involved, you might discover that bipolar disorder is the underlying factor.
As you read this article, here are a few things to know:
- Except in cases where a person’s depression phase has become so bad that he/she attempts suicide, it’s more likely someone comes to your attention while they’re in the manic phase. Reasons can include:
Excited Delirium: Rare, But Scary
Summer 2018
Excited Delirium – What We KnowWhen You See Schizophrenia
Mr. J. always seemed a bit odd, but he didn’t really bother anybody, so the neighbors didn’t pay much attention to him anymore. But late one night, a neighbor heard him yelling out in the street, and decided to call the police. When they arrived, Mr. J. was still outside, very agitated, and arguing with someone, but no one else was outside or in the house. Officers started talking with him, but his words didn’t make a lot of sense. He clearly was upset and scared, stating more than once that “people are trying to get me” and “they want me to do things I don’t want to do.” He described how “agents” kept commanding him to “take out the alarms and security systems” at the bank or “they will kill me.”
As a police officer, probably one of the biggest challenges related to mental illness is trying to talk with someone who is in a psychotic state. Psychosis can occur for several reasons, but schizophrenia is the illness most often associated with it. Even though it affects only 1% of the population, schizophrenia can be severe and debilitating if untreated or not well-managed medically.
Communicating During Crisis
During a psychiatric crisis, safety for everyone on-scene is paramount. Some situations unfold very quickly and demand immediate action. But many offer opportunities to gather information, build some rapport through communication and listening skills, and create a safe, positive outcome. Here are some strategies to keep in mind when encountering a person in a mental health crisis.
Resources
Resources for Law Enforcement and General Public - Behavioral Health Response (BHR) – 24/7 mental health crisis line for any type of mental health question or concern, to request a referral, or to receive telephonic assistance during a crisis. Mobile Outreach Team (MOT) available in certain circumstances. Law enforcement can use BHR to connect with their Community Mental Health Liaison. 314-469-6644
- Life Crisis Services at Provident – 24/7 mental health crisis line, including referrals to community resources; several services, including support groups and after-care follow-up are specifically related to suicide. Also provides counseling services. 314-647-4357
- Mental Health America of Eastern MO (MHA) offers education courses, support groups, and money management services for adults with mental illness. Also provides referrals to community resources, and an online support group directory for groups of all types. 314-773-1399
- NAMI St. Louis offers education courses, support groups, warm line, and referrals for family and friends of persons with mental illness. 314-962-4670
Just for Law Enforcement
- Community Mental Health Liaison (CMHL) – The CMHL program was created specifically to partner with law enforcement and specialty courts to improve access to behavioral health resources for those who came to the attention of law enforcement. CMHLs assist individuals/families as a result of an encounter with/request from responding officers. Liaisons are assigned to specific geographic areas; if you do not know how to reach your Liaison, call BHR to make contact.
Time to Nominate Officer for McAtee Award
Spring 2018
Join us May 18 at the Missouri Athletic Club for the 32nd McAtee Police Recognition Luncheon, as we honor officers whose compassion and dedication makes a significant difference in the life of someone with mental illness.
- Nominations are due by April 27
- RSVP required; RSVP due by May 11
- Awards presented on Friday, May 18, Missouri Athletic Club – Downtown
If you are ready to submit a nomination, click here to review the criteria and access the nomination form. Nominees do not have to be a CIT officer.
If you are ready to reserve seats for the awards luncheon, click here to reserve seating for all guests in your group. Awardees attend at no-charge, but should be included on your guest list.
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$25 for police officers, departments and family members
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$40 for general public
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Awardees attend as guest of MHA
Questions??? Contact LaDonna Haley at 314-773-1399 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Just for First Responders, Family and Kids
As we worked with individuals and families who were closely impacted by these events, we realized how grossly under-served this population was. We foresaw that those who didn’t seek help during this time would manifest distress in different ways in the future. We wanted to create therapeutic group sessions that would impact a greater number of family members and give them tools to better heal, as well as enhance the individual, on-one-one sessions they were receiving.Local Solutions to Battle Heroin Overdose
The Crisis
In recent years, the heroin/opiate crisis has increasingly become a major story not only in our region, but also throughout the nation. Almost daily, articles circulate from all corners of the country, and the stories are remarkably similar: overdoses are on the rise, and communities are struggling to determine how to tackle the epidemic.
Located northwest of St. Louis, St. Charles County is a community of nearly 400,000 whose municipalities frequently appear on “safest cities” and “best places to live” lists. Residents of the county for many years refused to admit that heroin and prescription opiates had found their way into their neighborhoods. But statistics told a different tale. Over the past decade, call volume for this type of overdose more than doubled for St. Charles County Ambulance District (SCCAD), going from 192 in 2008 to 473 in 2017. Likewise, county law enforcement agencies saw increases in drug-related activity, as individuals who are addicted will, in some cases, turn to any means necessary to obtain the substance their body so badly craves.
St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney Tim Lohmar frequently says that the heroin epidemic is not a problem we can “arrest our way out of.” Rather, communities must develop forward-thinking strategies to address not only prevention, but also those who are already addicted.
When You See Dementia
“As a community mental health liaison, every month, I get a stack of CIT reports to follow up on. I’ve been seeing an increasing number of reports involving someone suffering from dementia, and I don’t see it slowing down. Baby boomers are getting older. One in three seniors will die from dementia. Everyone will be impacted by dementia somehow, including law enforcement. More families will be calling 911 looking for their mom who has wondered off or asking for a welfare check on their grandfather. It is imperative we know how to recognize the symptoms of dementia, learn the skills to interact with the individual who has dementia, and know the resources available.”
Tara Stevens, Community Mental Health Liaison, BHR
Top 10 for Police Relationships
Winter 2018
These 10 tips are based on my experience as a police wife of seven years, my knowledge and experience as a therapist, and from my research into what makes police relationships work. These tips also work for partners who are not married, and for lesbian and gay couples as well. Enjoy!
1. See any challenges or conflicts as being on the same team, not opponents. When challenges come up, even if you are upset with your partner (or vice versa), remember that you are on the same team. There is no “right or wrong,” and blaming the other person (or yourself) does not solve the issue. Resolving difficult situations takes teamwork and collaboration. Keep this in mind when you bring up concerns or challenges to be discussed; your word choice and tone can make a huge difference! If it’s hard for you to constructively bring up your concerns, take some time to allow your anger to cool off, and then try again.
