The WRAP Plan: Crisis Planning

As I’ve mentioned throughout our discussion of the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP Plan), you do not need to complete the entire plan. Whatever aspects of the plan you may find helpful, are what you should concentrate on. The first chapter was simply developing a Wellness Toolbox, which is just coping skills and activities you can use when you are not feeling so well. Perhaps this is all you need. At this point in the plan, we have gotten more serious. In the last article we took a look at ‘When Things are Breaking Down’. To summarize, ‘Breaking Down’ deals with a time in your life when you are starting to lose control and steps you can take to either get it under control or ask for help. Today we will talk about Crisis Planning. Hopefully, you won’t need to use this part of the plan. The fact of the matter, though, is that when you are struggling with a serious illness or illnesses, there is a chance that things can start spinning out of control. In this case, it is very important to have a plan in place to make sure you get the help you need to survive the crisis. Let’s take a look at the WRAP Plan’s guide to Crisis Planning.

Planning for your care

The first thing to consider is that the Crisis Plan should be created when you are well. This is the time when you are thinking clearly, and can consider all of the details you will want addressed if you ever get to the point when you are not in control anymore. The Crisis Plan will provide instructions to your loved ones, friends, doctors and anyone else who supports you, regarding how and what to do in case of a crisis situation. It is important that your needs are met and you get the best possible treatment. You deserve it. In order to create an effective Crisis Plan it is important to include your support team in the decision making process. The plan’s instructions should be clear, concise and easy for others to understand. Unlike the other parts of the WRAP plan, which are meant for you and you alone, the Crisis Plan will be used by the people who care for and support you when you are really not doing well. Let’s take a quick look at some of the parts of the Crisis Plan.

The first part of the plan asks you to define what you are like when you are well and what traits you exhibit when others may need to become involved in decisions regarding your wellness. It is important her to determine who your supporters are. Are they mostly health care providers? Are they family and friends? Are there family and friends that you definitely DON’T WANT INVOLVED? This can be an important factor as, unfortunately, there are people that we simply believe will not be of help when a crisis situation occurs. The remainder of the plan deals mostly with medical related issues. Medications management, particular treatments that work for you and even preferences about where you should be treated. I told you this thing was detailed.

Being prepared

The Crisis Plan concludes with what others can do to help (chores, responsibilities, child care) if you become incapacitated. Finally, what will others see in you when you the crisis has past?  Are you sleeping and eating well? Have you returned to normal hygiene? Can you carry on a clear and meaningful conversation? Hopefully, we won’t have to utilize a Crisis Plan. But, should things get really bad, for whatever reason, we can rest assured that we will get the best possible care.