A mental health crisis can feel scary. You may feel lost, trapped, or unsure what to do next.
However, mental health crisis support is available.
You do not have to solve everything right now. Instead, focus on the next safe step.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. In the United States, you can also call or text 988 for crisis support.
You are not alone. Help is here.
What Is a Mental Health Crisis?
A mental health crisis happens when emotions or thoughts become very hard to manage.
For example, a person may feel hopeless. They may feel trapped or unable to cope. They may also think about suicide or harming themselves.
Sometimes the signs are clear. However, they can also be easy to miss.
That is why it is important to take changes in mood or behavior seriously.
Signs Someone May Need Help
Warning signs can look different for each person.
For example, someone may:
- Talk about wanting to die
- Feel hopeless or trapped
- Pull away from other people
- Stop doing things they enjoy
- Sleep much more or much less
- Have sudden mood changes
- Use more alcohol or drugs
- Feel unable to cope
- Give away important belongings
- Say goodbye in an unusual way
One sign does not always mean there is a crisis. Still, it is better to check in than to ignore something that worries you.
What to Do During a Crisis
First, focus on safety.
Go somewhere you feel safe. Then, contact someone you trust.
You can call a friend or family member. You can also contact a counselor, doctor, crisis line, or another trusted person.
Next, slow things down.
Take a breath. Sit down if you can. Focus on getting through the next few minutes.
Most importantly, do not try to handle everything alone.
Helping Someone You Care About
You do not need special words to help someone in crisis.
Start by listening.
Stay calm and take their feelings seriously. In addition, let them know that you care.
If you are worried about suicide, ask them directly if they are thinking about suicide or harming themselves.
Then, help them connect with support.
If there is immediate danger, contact emergency services.
Above all, stay with the person when it is safe to do so.
Create a Safety Plan
A safety plan can help during a hard moment.
First, write down people you can contact.
Next, list things that help you feel calmer. This could include breathing, music, walking, writing, or sitting with someone you trust.
Also, keep crisis numbers where you can find them quickly.
Finally, think about places where you feel safe.
You do not need to wait for a crisis to make a plan. In fact, making one ahead of time can make it easier to know what to do later.
Find the Right Support
Different people need different kinds of help.
For example, therapy may help you understand difficult thoughts and feelings. Support groups can also connect you with people who understand.
Community mental health centers may offer additional services. Likewise, faith communities can provide support for people who find comfort through faith.
Financial help may also be available for treatment or medication.
Therefore, keep looking until you find support that fits your needs.
You Deserve Help
A crisis can make the future feel very far away.
Still, feelings can change.
Support can help. Treatment can help. Connection can help.
So, take one step.
Make one call.
Tell one person.
Ask for help.
You do not have to know what tomorrow will look like. For now, focus on staying safe today.
You matter. Your life matters. There is hope.
