A mental health crisis can feel overwhelming, frightening, and isolating. Whether it’s the result of mounting emotional distress, an existing mental illness, or an unexpected event, knowing what to do in a mental health crisis can make all the difference. If you or a loved one is struggling, you are not alone—and help is available.
This guide outlines practical, compassionate steps to take when you’re in the midst of a crisis, and it offers direction on how to connect with mental health professionals, services, and support systems.
Understanding a Mental Health Crisis
A mental health crisis occurs when a person’s emotional state becomes so intense that they can no longer function normally. You may experience symptoms such as:
- Sudden, intense emotional distress
- Thoughts of suicide or harming yourself
- Loss of touch with reality
- Inability to perform daily tasks
- Extreme mood swings or behaviors
- Trouble making decisions
- Difficulty managing responsibilities at home, work, or school
Crises can vary in intensity and duration. Some are short-lived and brought on by a stressful event, while others develop over time due to untreated mental health conditions or substance use (such as drug or alcohol misuse).
Step 1: Recognize the Signs
The first step is to recognize the signs of a mental health crisis. These may include:
- Talking about suicide or feeling hopeless
- Withdrawing from friends or family
- Sudden changes in behavior or appearance
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs
- Confusion, hallucinations, or paranoia
- Severe anxiety or panic attacks
- Rage or violent outbursts
- A noticeable decline in interest in things you used to enjoy
If you’re noticing these signs in yourself or a loved one, it’s time to take action.
Step 2: Get to a Safe Place
In a crisis, safety is the priority. If you’re in immediate danger of harming yourself or others, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. The emergency room staff are trained to respond to mental health crises and can help stabilize the situation.
If you’re not in immediate danger, but you feel overwhelmed, find a quiet, calm space. Step away from any triggering environments, substances, or people. This can reduce emotional overload and allow you to focus on what to do next.
Step 3: Reach Out for Immediate Help
In the midst of a crisis, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Reach out to someone—a friend, family member, or mental health professional.
Here are confidential, free options you can contact at any time:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor 24/7.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine: 1-800-950-NAMI
- Local crisis response services: Many communities have mobile mental health teams or crisis centers.
If you’re a loved one supporting someone in crisis, stay calm. Talk gently, listen without judgment, and avoid pressuring the person. Let them know you’re there to help, and encourage them to get professional help.
Step 4: Talk to a Mental Health Professional
A licensed mental health professional—such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker, or counselor—can provide support and guidance tailored to your situation. They can help assess symptoms, recommend treatment options, and refer you to additional services if needed.
If you already have a mental health provider, contact them directly. If not, you can access immediate support through:
- Crisis hotlines and walk-in clinics
- Primary care doctors who can make referrals
- Online therapy services or telehealth appointments
Seeking professional help is not a sign of weakness—it’s a crucial step toward healing and stability.
Step 5: Explore Treatment Options
After the immediate crisis has passed, it’s essential to create a treatment plan to address the underlying causes. Treatment may include:
- Therapy or counseling: Individual, group, or family therapy helps you process emotions, develop coping skills, and work through concerns.
- Medications: A psychiatrist can determine if medications would be helpful to manage symptoms of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or other diagnoses.
- Hospitalization or intensive outpatient programs: In cases of severe crisis or risk of harm, short-term hospitalization may be necessary to ensure safety and begin treatment.
Remember that treatment is often a combination of services, and the best thing you can do is continue seeking support even after the crisis fades.
Step 6: Connect With Ongoing Support
Long-term recovery depends on building a reliable support system. In addition to professional care, consider:
- Support groups for mental health conditions or substance use
- Peer support networks that offer shared experiences and advice
- Family and friends who can check in and help you stay accountable
- Community programs that offer case management or social services
Connection is essential. It helps reduce feelings of isolation and reminds you that others care.
Step 7: Create a Crisis Plan
Once you’re on more stable ground, work with a mental health professional to develop a crisis plan. This plan helps you and your loved ones know how to respond if symptoms return or worsen. It should include:
- Early warning signs
- Coping strategies
- Emergency contact information
- Medications and dosages
- List of supportive people and services
- Steps to take if you feel at risk of suicide or self-harm
Writing it down can offer clarity and control during future moments of distress.
What Loved Ones Can Do
If someone you care about is in crisis, it’s natural to feel scared or unsure of how to respond. Here are some ways to help a loved one:
- Stay calm and present
- Listen without judgment
- Avoid giving unsolicited advice
- Encourage professional help
- Remove access to drugs, alcohol, or weapons
- Stay with them if they’re at risk
- Call a crisis lifeline together
Let them know they are not a burden. Your presence can make a profound difference.
Mental Health Crisis Prevention
Preventing future crises means addressing mental health concerns before they escalate. Taking steps to avoid a mental health crisis can be very effective–and even life-saving.
Review your mental health regularly with a therapist or doctor. Learn healthy coping mechanisms like mindfulness, journaling, or physical activity. Avoid self-medicating with alcohol or drugs, and seek support for existing substance misuse.
Stick to treatment plans and attend appointments, and manage stress through self-care and setting boundaries. Talk openly about your feelings with people you trust, and engage in regular therapy or support groups.
Finally, take care of your body and mind with regular self-care. Focus on sleep, nutrition, and building a daily routine to minimize stress and encourage healthy activities.
The earlier you catch warning signs, the easier it is to respond. Seek treatment or support as soon as you recognize new or worsening mental health symptoms.
Find Treatment During a Mental Health Crisis
A mental health crisis can feel like the world is closing in. But there is always hope. There are people who understand, who care, and who are trained to help. You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to take the next step—whether it’s reaching out, calling a crisis lifeline, or simply talking to someone who will listen.
You are human. You matter. You are not alone. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, don’t wait. Reach out, speak up, and get the help you deserve.
Find support and comprehensive mental health treatment programs at First Step Behavioral Health. Learn about our programs or schedule an intake by contacting our intake team today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Mental Health Crises
1. How do I tell the difference between a mental health crisis and a bad day?
While everyone has rough days, a mental health crisis typically involves an inability to function, intense emotional distress, or potential danger to yourself or others. If thoughts of suicide, self-harm, or a loss of reality are present—or if distress lasts more than a few days—it’s crucial to seek professional help.
2. Can I help someone in crisis if they refuse professional treatment?
Yes, you can still offer support even if someone isn’t ready to seek help. Focus on listening without judgment, offering calm reassurance, and expressing concern. Let them know you’re available and gently encourage them to talk to a mental health professional when they’re ready. In emergencies, you may need to contact crisis services on their behalf.
3. What should I expect during a mental health evaluation at the emergency room?
A mental health evaluation at the emergency room typically involves talking with a psychiatrist, psychologist, or social worker who will assess symptoms, risk factors, and overall safety. They may ask about recent behaviors, thoughts, medications, and support systems. Based on this, they’ll decide whether hospitalization, outpatient treatment, or referral to services is most appropriate.
4. Are there crisis resources for people who don’t speak English fluently?
Yes. Many national crisis lines, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, offer support in multiple languages and have translation services available. Additionally, some local organizations and community clinics provide culturally specific care and multilingual mental health professionals. It’s important to ask when calling or seeking services.
5. Will calling a crisis line lead to emergency services being sent to my home?
Not necessarily. Crisis lines are designed to provide confidential, supportive conversations. Emergency services are only dispatched if there is an immediate threat to your safety or someone else’s, and the caller is unable to stay safe. Most interactions focus on de-escalation and connecting you to local resources.
6. How can I financially afford help if I don’t have insurance?
There are low-cost and free mental health services available. Community mental health centers, nonprofit treatment programs, and university counseling clinics often provide sliding-scale fees. Some crisis centers and support groups also offer free care. A social worker or case manager can help connect you to these resources.
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