A mental health crisis can feel overwhelming, confusing, and even terrifying—for both the person experiencing it and those around them. If you or a loved one is going through a period of intense emotional distress, it’s important to know that you’re not alone—and that support, treatment, and resources are available.
Understanding what a mental health crisis is, how to recognize the signs, and how to respond can help save lives and create pathways to healing. This article will explore the characteristics of a mental health crisis, how to recognize that you or a loved one needs emergency interventions, and where to find mental health treatment.
Defining a Mental Health Crisis
A mental health crisis is any situation in which a person’s behaviors, thoughts, or emotions put them or others at risk of harm, or prevent them from functioning safely in daily life. Unlike ongoing mental health conditions, a crisis is often sudden, intense, and may include a loss of control, connection to reality, or the ability to cope.
People from all walks of life—regardless of age, gender, or background—can experience a mental health crisis. Adults, teens, and even children may find themselves in such moments, especially when stress, trauma, or medical conditions combine with unresolved mental distress.
Common Signs of a Mental Health Crisis
Recognizing the common signs of a crisis is the first step toward getting help. These signs can vary, depending on the type, severity, and other circumstances.
Signs of a mental health crisis may include:
- Thoughts or talk of suicide or self-harm
- Sudden mood swings or intense emotional outbursts
- Paranoia or disconnection from reality
- Inability to perform daily life activities like bathing or eating
- Withdrawal from friends, support groups, or loved ones
- Use of recreational drugs, alcohol, or other substances in a harmful way
- Delusional thoughts or hallucinations
- Verbal threats or violent behavior
- Severe depression or anxiety
- Unexplained physical pain
If you notice any of these symptoms in yourself or someone else, take them seriously. Don’t wait for things to get worse. A crisis can escalate quickly and should be treated as an emergency.
What Causes a Mental Health Crisis?
A mental health crisis often develops when multiple factors converge and overwhelm a person’s ability to cope.
Triggers may include:
- The sudden loss of a loved one
- Relationship breakdown
- A recent medical condition diagnosis
- Prolonged exposure to stress at work or home
- Traumatic events, including abuse or violence
- Substance misuse involving drugs, alcohol, or prescription medications
- Untreated mental disorders such as anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia
Sometimes, people living with mental illness experience a crisis because their current treatment is no longer effective or they’ve stopped taking their medications.
How to Respond to a Mental Health Crisis
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911 right away. First responders are trained to handle mental health emergencies and will help secure safety.
In non-life-threatening situations, taking specific steps can help you navigate them effectively. First, stay calm. Your tone, body language, and words matter. Talk gently and listen without judgment.
It is critical to avoid arguing or making assumptions. If you’re not the person in crisis, ask how you can help. Listen to the person without judgment. If possible, remove access to anything that can be used to harm oneself or others.
If you’re struggling, reach out to a friend, primary care provider, or mental health specialist. There are free and confidential crisis services available 24/7, such as the Crisis Lifeline. You can call or text 988 to connect with trained mental health professionals who can help you identify, cope, and find next steps for treatment.
The Role of Mental Health Professionals
In a crisis, mental health professionals play a critical role in evaluation, stabilization, and ongoing care.
These may include:
- Psychiatrists
- Psychologists
- Licensed therapists and counselors
- Crisis intervention teams
- Social workers
- Psychiatric nurses
They can assess the situation, develop a treatment plan, and determine whether talk therapy, medications, or a combination of services is needed. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary for safety and stabilization.
Treatment and Support After a Crisis
Getting through a crisis is just the beginning. Recovery involves ongoing support, often through a combination of therapy, medication, peer support groups, and lifestyle changes.
Common treatment options include:
- Psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) to explore emotions and develop coping strategies
- Medication for anxiety disorders, depression, or other mental disorders
- Substance abuse counseling, if alcohol or recreational drugs are involved
- Inpatient or outpatient programs for more structured care
- Regular check-ins with a primary care provider or psychiatrist
Mental health services administration and local behavioral health organizations can help you access care, often at low or no cost. Many offer free and confidential resources, including evaluations, crisis lines, and case management.
How to Prevent Future Crises
Prevention starts with awareness and connection. There are ways to reduce the risk of another crisis.
Develop a crisis plan with your doctor or therapist. Identify and document your symptoms and early warning signs. The more you understand about your symptoms, the more likely you’ll be to recognize them right away.
Build a network of trusted people you can talk to. Stay connected to support groups or community organizations. Having more support can help you reduce the risk of experiencing a crisis or navigate through one safely.
Follow your treatment plan, including taking medications as prescribed. Avoid recreational drugs and limit or eliminate alcohol use. Follow a self-care plan that focuses on getting adequate sleep, nutrition, and exercise to support your body and mind.
Finally, schedule regular appointments with your primary care provider or therapist. Staying on top of your treatment and self-care can significantly reduce the possibility of experiencing a mental health crisis.
Getting Immediate Help
In the U.S., you can call or text 988 to reach the Crisis Lifeline—a free and confidential support service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Whether you’re in crisis or simply need someone to talk to, trained counselors are there to listen and respond with care.
Other resources include:
- Local mental health services administration centers
- Hospital emergency rooms
- Mobile crisis units
- Community support groups
- Primary care providers who can refer you to specialists
Don’t wait to seek treatment during a mental health crisis. Taking steps to get immediate treatment significantly reduces the risk of serious problems.
Find Treatment and Support
A mental health crisis is deeply personal, but it is also something many people experience. It does not define who you are. Whether you’re dealing with depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, or another mental illness, recovery is possible.
Help is available. Healing is real. And you are never alone.
If you or a loved one needs mental health treatment or support, find the care you need at First Step Behavioral Health. Learn about our comprehensive programs or schedule an intake appointment by contacting our team today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What’s the difference between a mental health crisis and a panic attack?
While a panic attack can feel like a mental health crisis, it is typically shorter in duration and often associated with anxiety disorders. A mental health crisis, on the other hand, may involve a broader loss of emotional control, disconnection from reality, or risk of harm. However, frequent or untreated panic attacks can contribute to a larger crisis if left unaddressed.
2. Can physical illnesses cause or worsen a mental health crisis?
Yes. Certain medical conditions—such as chronic pain, neurological disorders, or hormonal imbalances—can trigger or intensify mental distress. The body and mind are closely connected, and physical health challenges often increase the risk of emotional overwhelm, especially when combined with mental health conditions or substance use.
3. How do I help someone who refuses treatment or denies they’re in crisis?
It’s common for people in crisis to reject treatment or not recognize the severity of their situation. You can still offer support by staying calm, listening without judgment, and encouraging small steps—like talking to a primary care provider or joining a support group. If there is an immediate danger to themselves or others, it’s appropriate to involve professionals or emergency services, even if the person resists help.
4. Are there crisis services for people who don’t have insurance or can’t afford care?
Yes. Many community-based programs and nonprofit organizations offer free and confidential crisis intervention and mental health services. The Crisis Lifeline (988) can help connect individuals to local, affordable options. County health departments and mental health services administration offices may also provide access to sliding-scale or no-cost care.
5. How can I prepare for a potential mental health crisis in the future?
Creating a personal crisis plan is a proactive step. This might include writing down early warning signs, listing emergency contacts, identifying support groups or professionals, and noting preferred hospitals or treatment options. Share this plan with a trusted friend, loved one, or doctor so they know how to help if a crisis occurs.
Sources
Jump to a Section
Call (855) 425-4846
