Configuring Crisis Intervention Settings

Problem gambling can lead to severe mental health crises. Whistl includes crisis intervention features that detect warning signs and connect you with immediate help. This guide explains how to configure crisis settings, set up emergency contacts, and ensure you have support when you need it most.

Why Crisis Intervention Matters

The connection between problem gambling and mental health crisis is well-documented:

• Depression link: 60% of problem gamblers experience clinical depression
• Anxiety disorders: 41% have co-occurring anxiety
• Suicidal ideation: Problem gamblers are 3x more likely to attempt suicide
• Financial crisis: Severe debt can trigger acute stress and hopelessness

Early detection and intervention can prevent crises from escalating.

Crisis Detection Features

Whistl monitors multiple signals for crisis indicators:

Keyword Detection

Scans journal entries and search queries for concerning language:

• Self-harm references
• Suicidal ideation keywords
• Hopelessness expressions
• Severe distress language
• Desperation indicators

Behavioral Indicators

• Rapid increase in gambling spending
• Multiple consecutive days of gambling
• Chasing losses pattern
• Protected floor breaches
• Social withdrawal signals

Biometric Crisis Signals

• Severely disrupted sleep patterns
• Extremely elevated stress markers
• Abnormal heart rate patterns
• Signs of substance use (if tracked)

Step 1: Access Crisis Settings

1. Open the Whistl app
2. Tap Settings (gear icon)
3. Select Crisis & Safety from the menu
4. Review the crisis features overview
5. Tap Get Started

Step 2: Set Up Emergency Contacts

Choose who should be contacted in a crisis:

Contact Types

Adding Emergency Contacts

1. Tap Add Emergency Contact
2. Enter contact name and relationship
3. Enter phone number and/or email
4. Set contact type (Primary, Secondary, Professional)
5. Configure when they should be contacted
6. Tap Save

Step 3: Configure Crisis Detection Sensitivity

Adjust how sensitive crisis detection should be:

Sensitivity Levels

Step 4: Set Up Crisis Response Actions

Decide what happens when crisis is detected:

Immediate Actions

• Display crisis resources: Show helpline numbers immediately
• Safe Space coaching: Switch AI coach to gentle mode
• Maximum protection: SpendingShield to RED state
• Block all gambling: Enhanced blocking activated

Notification Actions

• Contact emergency contact: Send alert to primary contact
• Contact professional: Alert therapist if configured
• Suggest crisis line: Display one-tap call button
• Partner notification: Alert accountability partner

Follow-Up Actions

• Check-in schedule: Regular supportive messages
• Resource suggestions: Coping strategies and professional help
• Safety plan: Guide through personal safety planning

Step 5: Create Your Safety Plan

Whistl guides you through creating a personal safety plan:

Safety Plan Components

1. Warning signs: Your personal crisis indicators
2. Coping strategies: What helps you feel better
3. Support people: Who you can contact
4. Professional resources: Therapists, helplines
5. Safe environments: Places where you feel secure
6. Reasons to stay safe: Your motivations for recovery

Creating Your Plan

1. Tap Create Safety Plan
2. Answer guided questions for each section
3. Save your responses
4. Plan is accessible from crisis screen
5. Update anytime as circumstances change

Crisis Screen

When crisis is detected, a dedicated screen appears:

Crisis Screen Features

• Immediate helpline access: One-tap calling
• Your safety plan: Personalised coping strategies
• Emergency contacts: Quick access to your people
• Crisis resources: Local and national support
• Calming exercises: Breathing and grounding techniques
• AI support: Gentle, non-judgmental conversation

Accessing Crisis Screen Manually

You can access crisis resources anytime:

1. Tap Help in bottom navigation
2. Select Crisis Support
3. Crisis screen opens immediately

Privacy and Consent

Crisis features balance safety with privacy:

Consent Options

• Full consent: Contact emergency contacts automatically
• Ask first: Prompt you before contacting anyone
• Crisis only: Only contact if severe risk detected
• No contact: Show resources but don't alert others

Privacy Protections

• Crisis data encrypted separately
• Emergency contacts only see what you specify
• Professional contacts require explicit consent
• Crisis history can be deleted anytime

Testing Crisis Features

Ensure everything works before you need it:

Test Checklist

• ✓ Crisis screen loads properly
• ✓ Helpline numbers are correct for your region
• ✓ Emergency contacts are saved correctly
• ✓ Safety plan is accessible
• ✓ You know how to access crisis features quickly

Troubleshooting Crisis Features

Problem: Crisis Detection Not Triggering

Solutions:

• Increase sensitivity in settings
• Add more personal keywords to detection list
• Ensure journal entries are enabled
• Contact support if issue persists

Problem: Emergency Contact Not Receiving Alerts

Solutions:

• Verify contact information is correct
• Check contact has consented to receive alerts
• Ensure notification permissions are enabled
• Test with manual alert

Important Crisis Resources

Keep these numbers handy:

Australian Crisis Lines

• Gambling Help Online: 1800 858 858 (24/7)
• Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7)
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 (24/7)
• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 (24/7)
• MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78 (24/7)
• Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 (24/7, ages 5-25)

Online Resources

• Gambling Help Online: gamblinghelponline.org.au
• Beyond Blue: beyondblue.org.au
• Headspace: headspace.org.au (youth mental health)
• SANE Australia: sane.org

After a Crisis

Support continues after the immediate crisis passes:

Post-Crisis Support

• Follow-up check-ins: AI coach checks on your wellbeing
• Resource suggestions: Ongoing support options
• Partner notification: Your support network is informed
• Professional referral: Suggestions for ongoing therapy
• Relapse prevention: Extra protection during recovery

Conclusion

Crisis intervention features ensure you're never alone in your darkest moments. While we hope you never need them, having crisis settings configured provides peace of mind and potentially life-saving support. Take the time to set up emergency contacts, create your safety plan, and familiarise yourself with crisis resources. Your wellbeing matters.

Related: Coaching Styles | Accountability Partners | AI Coach Guide