What is one strategy recommended for individuals experiencing the peak phase of escalated behavior?

Assessing safety during the peak phase of escalated behavior is crucial. This stage can involve intense emotional reactions, aggression, or self-injurious behavior, which can pose risks to both the individual and those around them. By prioritizing safety, you can ensure that measures are in place to protect everyone involved, reducing the likelihood of harm.

This can involve identifying potential hazards, ensuring the individual cannot access dangerous objects, and creating a safe environment. Once safety is ensured, staff can then focus on other strategies to help de-escalate the situation. Addressing safety first allows for a more effective response to the behavior while also facilitating a calm and secure environment for coping and recovery.

In contrast, increasing verbal interactions may overwhelm a person in crisis, while introducing complex tasks can lead to further frustration. Removing all stimuli may not always be practical or effective, as some individuals may actually need certain sensory inputs to feel grounded. Thus, assessing safety stands out as the most appropriate initial strategy.