The context
The term Person-in-Crisis (PIC) is used by police to categorize 911 calls involving individuals who are experiencing a mental health crisis. Many of these individuals are struggling with mental illness. While these encounters often appear in the news, coverage typically features sensational headlines designed to grab attention and generate clicks, providing only a superficial account of the events. Such reporting can mislead readers into believing that individuals with mental health issues are inherently dangerous, skewing public perceptions of community safety.
This sensationalist approach not only undermines empathy for PICs but also fosters a societal tendency to avoid direct engagement with them. Consequently, instead of contributing to a supportive and inclusive community, a cycle of avoidance and misunderstanding is perpetuated, further isolating those most in need. This, in turn, puts them at higher risk of feeling unwell and further crisis.
The purpose
The Person-in-Crisis series seeks to address these gaps left by traditional news coverage and correct the harmful interpretations it may unintentionally promote. Its posts introduce readers to a reality many are unaware of: a stark environment entrapping far more individuals than one might expect, underscoring the consequences of societal neglect. They show what happens when nobody cares.
Designed to challenge conventional news narratives, this series guides readers through the lives of those caught in a harsh reality, highlighting the importance of empathy and support. By combining storytelling with scientific analysis, the blog raises awareness about the challenges faced by PICs, their friends, and families, and confronts the stigmas and biases ingrained in our understanding of mental health.
What to expect
Through a first-person narrative that provides an in-depth and unfiltered view of the situation, each post transports readers directly to the heart of a mental health crisis that police responded to. Following this immersive experience, the discussion broadens to examine the societal and institutional frameworks surrounding these crises, shedding light on the systemic challenges that exacerbate them. Finally, the posts not only inform but also empower readers by presenting actionable ways they can contribute to addressing and mitigating these crises. This approach not only enhances understanding but also encourages active participation in creating solutions.
However, readers should be aware that these accounts may contain graphic descriptions that could be emotionally challenging and potentially reinforce the very stigma the series aims to dismantle. It is crucial to engage with each post in its entirety to grasp the intended message fully.
A word of caution
It is important to understand that the narratives shared in this series depict exceptionally challenging situations that do not reflect the general experiences of any specific group. These accounts represent a relatively small fraction of those mental health crises that result in police involvement. However, they do shed light on how systemic barriers can disproportionately affect the most vulnerable among us. In addition, it is crucial to recognize that the absence of a police response does not automatically imply that individuals who experience mental health crises and their families are in a good place or receiving adequate support from government and community resources.
To protect the identities and experiences of those involved, the posts use strange accounts1, a social research method that collects information from situations marked by secrecy or risk. All mentioned individuals are fictional, yet the described situations and experiences are based on real events that have occurred.
Each post is vetted in several ways, including by individuals with lived experiences as well as social workers deeply engaged with these issues. I am only expressing my own views and not speaking on behalf of anyone else.
Reference:
- Rambo, C., & Pruit, J. C. (2019). At Play in the Fields of Qualitative Research and Autoethnography: A Strange Account. International Review of Qualitative Research, 12(3), 219-242. https://doi.org/10.1525/irqr.2019.12.3.219 ↩︎