When to Refer to Community Resources |
Occasionally outside help or professional counseling may be necessary in order to help a person work through a particular problem. You should be prepared to refer someone with one or more of the following symptoms to a qualified professional.
A person is suicidal. (** Should be considered as EXTREMELY high risk signals)
- expresses or manifests feelings of hopelessness and helplessness
- expresses a lack of desire to live
- expresses that they cannot or will not control hurting themselves
- has had previous attempt(s)**
- has thought of a specific plan**
- has begun to dispose of or give away “prized possessions” **
A person is homicidal.
- exhibits strong feelings of anger that he/she does not feel he/she can control
- has expressed a definite plan to injure or kill another person
A person is psychotic.
- signs of an inability to think, respond emotionally, remember, communicate properly, interpret reality or behave in an appropriate manner.
- delusional, has signs of hallucinations or is behaving in a way that is grossly disorganized.
A person is extremely neurotic.
- shows symptoms such as extreme anxiety, hysteria, obsessive-compulsive and phobias.
- extreme depression that renders the person unable to function in normal activities.
A person experiences physical symptoms that need to be checked by a medical doctor.
- extreme headaches, migraines
- any extreme physical problems that affect a person’s ability to function normally
A person with substance abuse/dependency issues.
- an abuse of alcohol, prescription medications, or illegal drugs
A person presents a problem that is beyond YOUR ability to help.
- the person or situation is too intense (for whatever reason) for you to provide assistance
- you are too tired emotionally, physically, and/or spiritually to remain objective and helpful
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