Recognize the signs of a mental health crisis
The first step in helping someone who may be experiencing a mental health crisis is to recognize the signs. Here are some common indicators that someone may need urgent mental health support:
– Suicidal thoughts or statements about wanting to die
– Feeling hopeless or like there’s no reason to live
– Engaging in self-harm behaviors like cutting or burning themselves
– Appearing confused, paranoid or detached from reality
– Experiencing hallucinations or delusions
– Having rapid mood swings or overwhelming emotions
– Showing extreme changes in behavior or personality
– Abusing drugs or alcohol
– Withdrawing from friends/family or isolating themselves
– Neglecting personal hygiene or needs
– Displaying excessive anger, hostility or aggression
A mental health crisis can happen to anyone at any time. The best thing you can do is stay alert to the warning signs and risk factors like a recent trauma, loss, or life change. If you notice multiple concerning signs, don’t ignore them – take action right away.
Ask questions and assess for immediate danger
If you suspect someone is undergoing a mental health emergency, start by asking direct questions in an empathetic, non-judgmental manner. Here are some examples:
– “Are you thinking of hurting yourself?”
– “Do you feel safe right now?”
– “Have you thought about suicide?”
Any statements about wanting to commit suicide or self-harm must be taken very seriously. Ask follow-up questions to determine how advanced their plans are:
– “Do you know how you would do it?”
– “Do you have the means or access to follow through?”
– “Have you thought about when you would attempt suicide?”
If they have a specific plan and intention to attempt suicide very soon, call emergency services immediately. You can also call a suicide hotline or take them to the nearest emergency room. Don’t leave the person alone even for a minute – staying with them can save their life.
Listen without judgement
It’s important to let the person speak openly without fear of judgement, criticism or dismissal. Listen patiently and validate their feelings by making comments like:
– “I hear how much pain you’re in right now.”
– “It makes sense you would feel overwhelmed by everything going on.”
– “I can’t imagine how exhausting and hopeless this feels.”
Avoid giving advice, lecturing them to “snap out of it” or telling them they just need to “think positively.” This can invalidate their experience and make them feel worse. Maintain a supportive, understanding tone even if you don’t fully understand what they’re going through. Let them know you care and want to help.
Express concern and reassurance
After listening and showing you understand their distress, express concern for their well-being and reassuring them that you want to help them feel better. For example:
– “I’m concerned about you and want to make sure you’re safe.”
– “This sounds really difficult but you don’t have to go through it alone.”
– “I’m here for you and we’ll get through this together.”
Remind them that you care, and with help, they can start to feel better. Avoid making promises or saying you understand exactly what they’re experiencing. Just let them know they can talk to you and that you’ll do whatever you can to help them.
Encourage professional help
Gently encourage the person to seek professional mental health support. You can suggest:
– Calling a suicide prevention hotline
– Contacting their doctor or mental health provider
– Going to a psychiatric hospital emergency room
Don’t force them into treatment, but do emphasize how much better they’ll feel with the right help. Recommend calling or going to a specific place like the local emergency room. You may need to assist with scheduling appointments or transportation. Offer to go with them if it would help.
Reduce access to lethal means
If the person is at high risk for suicide, try to limit their access to anything they could use to attempt suicide. For example:
– Safely secure or remove all firearms from the home
– Lock up or dispose of medications, sharp objects, or other potential means
– Don’t leave them alone near anything dangerous like a balcony, bridge or subway platform
Reducing their access to lethal means can give you time to get professional help and potentially save their life.
Call local emergency services
If de-escalation techniques don’t work, or you can’t monitor the person safely, call emergency services. Explain that someone is experiencing a mental health crisis and may harm themselves. Healthcare workers can conduct a more thorough suicide risk assessment and determine if hospitalization is needed.
In extreme cases like a medication overdose or violent behavior, call 911 right away. Paramedics can provide emergency medical care and transport the person to an ER. Police can help if someone is behaving violently or refusing care.
Use emergency services as a last resort and only for safety. Involving law enforcement can sometimes escalate mental health crises. Try to get the person’s cooperation first.
Provide comfort and support
Your calm, caring presence can help comfort someone in a mental health crisis. Avoid leaving them alone. Provide practical assistance like food, water, blankets or transportation. Verbal support can also help:
– Remind them that they have people who care about them.
– Share positive stories and reflections about your relationship.
– Express your belief that they have strengths to make it through this.
Let them know you aren’t going anywhere and will stay by their side. Small gestures like a hug or holding their hand can also provide solace. Just having someone bear witness to their pain can help greatly.
Encourage positive self-care
Positive self-care activities can help stabilize mood and relieve distress. Gently encourage the person to:
– Drink water and eat regular, nourishing meals
– Get fresh air and go for walks
– Listen to soothing music or guided meditations
– Engage in a creative activity like writing, art or cooking
– Do light stretches or yoga for relaxation
Avoid recommending exercise that could be too strenuous, as this may further overwhelm them. Focus on small, simple self-care steps to give them a sense of control. Offer to participate in an activity with them for extra support.
Help make a safety plan
A safety plan identifies coping strategies and sources of support someone can use during a suicidal crisis. It should include:
– Warning signs that a crisis may be developing
– Internal coping strategies that can de-escalate distress
– People and social settings that can serve as a distraction
– Contact info for professional help and supporters
– Steps for reducing access to lethal means
Make a plan together and share it with their mental health provider. Have them sign it to increase commitment. Store it somewhere easily accessible and review it regularly so it stays top of mind. This can help empower them to manage suicidal thoughts.
Practice self-care
Being close to someone experiencing a mental health crisis can take an emotional toll. Don’t neglect your own well-being – you can’t help effectively without looking after yourself first. Healthy self-care strategies include:
– Taking breaks from the situation when needed
– Sharing your feelings with trusted friends or relatives
– Eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep
– Engaging in calming activities like meditation or yoga
– Spending time doing things you enjoy
– Setting healthy boundaries and not taking problems home
Seeking counseling can also help you process difficult feelings. Protect your mental health so you can continue providing steadfast support.
Conclusion
Mental health crises require compassionate, decisive intervention. If you believe someone is in urgent need of help:
1. Recognize warning signs like suicidal statements, extreme changes in behavior or paranoia.
2. Ask direct questions to evaluate their danger to themselves or others. Don’t leave them alone if they are actively suicidal.
3. Listen supportively and express concern while reassuring them you want to help.
4. Encourage professional treatment like a suicide hotline, doctor visit or emergency room.
5. Limit access to anything potentially dangerous if they are suicidal.
6. Provide comfort through your presence, food/water or transportation help.
7. Suggest positive coping strategies like light exercise or listening to music.
8. Help them make a safety plan identifying warning signs and support sources.
9. Take care of your own mental health through self-care activities and seeking support.
With compassion, patience and preparation, you can assist someone through even the darkest times. There are treatment options and people who care – with help, hope and recovery are possible.