We Are Speaking w/ Nikki - Treating Mental Illness

To cap off Season 3: Mental Health & Neurodiversity, we have an amazing guest who is fighting the good fight. Nikki Naglich is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at a mental health hospital in the suburbs of Chicago. She talks about treating serious mental illness, the difference between inpatient & outpatient work, and her hopes for her patients’ futures.  

We discuss why and when people are brought to an inpatient psych unit, which can involve police bringing a psychotic patient to the hospital instead of to jail (given someone’s psychosis may include agression/violence, destruction of property, a threat or harm to oneself or others). Nikki talks about having a good relationship with the local police force, and that calling the police is an option if there is a situation where one feels unsafe or threatened. Nikki and everyone at I Am Speaking are aware and note that involving the police is not the first or ideal option for dealing with a mental health crisis. 

“At the end of the day, police are trained to handle criminal activity, not provide health care. Many police tactics (including strategies of intimidation and control) are counterintuitive in mental health emergencies, where people need empathy and care.” - I Don’t Mind

Depending on the area and the situation, calling the police could exacerbate the situation, especially if the person is a person of color (POC.) Nikki speaks of understanding, deescalation and empathy. If you must call the police, NAMI has some advice here: tinyurl.com/3rt625w3

Nikki is a wealth of knowledge, but you hear the compassion come through loud and clear. She loves what she does, even when it’s hard. And we are glad she’s caring for people who have been marginalized, victimized, and demonized. Nikki, thank you for doing what you do. We need more people like you in mental healthcare. 

DISCLAIMER: I Am Speaking is for information, education and entertainment purposes only. In no way is I Am Speaking intended to provide medical advice or substitute for mental health advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are feeling suicidal, thinking about hurting yourself or concerned that someone you know may be in danger of hurting themselves, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or the Suicide Hotline at 988, or call 911.