Help in a crisis situation (panic, debts, thoughts of suicide)

Introduction

1. Recognition of acute condition

1. Identify the crisis: strong heartbeat, sweating, intrusive thoughts, hopelessness.
3. Set yourself up to help: Remember - any call can save a life.

2. Immediate contact with crisis services

1. If there are suicidal thoughts or life threats:

• - Call 000 (Triple Zero) immediately and ask for "mental health help."
2. Psychological emergency support:
• - Lifeline: 13 11 14 - around the clock, anonymously, free of charge.
• - SMS Lifeline: send "HELLO" to the 0477 13 11 14 for text support.
3. Gaming addiction with crisis:
• - Gamblers Help: 1800 858 858 - emergency counseling, instructions for financial stabilization and psychological anchor.

3. Stabilization of emotional state

1. Technique 5-4-3-2-1: list aloud 5 items around, 4 sounds, 3 sensations, 2 odors, 1 taste.
2. Breathing exercise: inhale 4 s, delay 4 s, exhale 6 s; repeat 5 times.
3. Physical distraction: cold compress on the face, a short walk in the fresh air.

4. Primary financial measures

1. MCC card blocking: call the bank and prohibit transactions using codes 7932/7995.
2. Deleting payment data: remove cards from casino accounts and wallets.
3. Separate finances: temporarily remove the access of the dependent to the main family account.

5. Call with the "controller"

1. Appoint a trustee: a friend or relative who is now near you.
2. Communicate plan: Ask to stay online/offline and support with stabilization exercises.
3. Joint call to the line: "We are calling together, help us cope now."

6. Further support

1. Follow-up consultations: arrange calls with a consultant after 24 hours and 72 hours to check the condition.
2. Registration for therapy: through Gambling Help Online or Gamblers Help, order a video session or face-to-face meeting.
3. Support groups: Urgently join crisis chats and forums such as Lifeline online or Gam-Anon.

Conclusion

In a critical situation, the main thing is not to be alone with fear and debt. Immediately call 000 when life is threatened, then Lifeline (13 11 14) and Gamblers Help (1800 858 858) for emergency psychological and financial stabilization. Use breathing and distraction techniques, connect the "controller" and do not delay follow-up - this will save health and life.