Watching a loved one in a mental health crisis can be overwhelming, painful, and at times, frightening. Mental health challenges can manifest in many ways, including severe anxiety, depression, psychosis, substance abuse, or suicidal thoughts. Often, families and friends struggle to know what to do or how to act in such moments.
While a mental health crisis can feel unpredictable, the right knowledge and approach can make all the difference. In this guide, weโll provide insight into understanding a mental health crisis, recognizing warning signs, and helping your loved one through it with empathy, patience, and effective strategies.
What Is a Mental Health Crisis?
A mental health crisis occurs when a person becomes overwhelmed by emotional, psychological, or behavioral distress to such an extent that they can no longer function effectively. Crises vary in severity, but they often involve harm to oneself or others or an inability to meet basic needs.
Common Examples of a Mental Health Crisis
- Severe emotional distress: Persistent crying, hopelessness, or complete withdrawal from others.
- Suicidal ideation: Making statements about wanting to die, self-harm, or attempting suicide.
- Psychosis: Hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, or confusion.
- Substance abuse escalation: Dangerous or erratic behavior due to overdose, withdrawal, or excessive use of alcohol or drugs.
- Violence or aggression: Uncontrolled anger, threats against others, or destructive behavior.
The causes of a mental health crisis can include stress, trauma, personal loss, untreated mental illness, or substance use. Regardless of the cause, swift and compassionate intervention is critical.
Recognizing Warning Signs of a Mental Health Crisis
Knowing the warning signs of a mental health crisis can help you act before the situation escalates. Look out for these common indicators:
Emotional Warning Signs
- Dramatic shifts in mood, such as extreme sadness, irritability, or anger.
- Feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, or worthlessness.
- Expressing a desire to die or escape from pain.
Behavioral Warning Signs
- Withdrawal from loved ones, activities, or responsibilities.
- Sudden changes in sleep patterns, such as insomnia or excessive sleeping.
- Reckless or self-destructive behaviors, such as substance abuse or dangerous driving.
- Inability to carry out daily responsibilities or tasks.
Physical Warning Signs
- Drastic changes in personal hygiene or appearance.
- Fatigue, energy loss, or physical neglect.
- Complaints of unexplained physical pain or discomfort.
Speech or Thought Patterns
- Talking about hearing voices or seeing things that arenโt real (hallucinations).
- Erratic or incoherent speech patterns.
- Expressing paranoia, delusions, or extreme fear.
If your loved one exhibits one or more of these symptoms and you believe they are at risk of harming themselves or someone else, itโs important to take immediate action.
How to Help During a Mental Health Crisis
Responding effectively during a mental health crisis requires empathy, patience, and awareness. Follow these steps to support your loved one:
1. Stay Calm
Your reaction sets the tone for the entire interaction. Reacting with panic or anger may escalate the situation. Take a deep breath, stay composed, and approach the situation with compassion and understanding.
2. Offer a Safe Environment
Ensure that your loved one feels emotionally and physically safe, free from judgment or criticism. Remove sharp objects, medications, or weapons from the environment if youโre worried about self-harm or violence.
3. Express Empathy and Support
Use calm and nonjudgmental language to let your loved one know theyโre not alone. Avoid blaming or criticizing their feelings, even if you donโt fully understand them. Examples of supportive statements include:
- โIโm here for you, no matter what.โ
- โI donโt have all the answers, but I want to help you through this.โ
- โWhat can I do right now to make you feel supported or safe?โ
4. Communicate Clearly
Speak in short, clear sentences and use a calm tone of voice. Avoid giving lengthy explanations or overwhelming your loved one with too much information, as it may add to their disorientation or stress.
5. Listen Without Judgment
Allow your loved one to express their feelings and thoughts without interrupting or trying to โfixโ the problem. Be a compassionate presence rather than offering unsolicited advice. Sometimes, your full attention is the most valuable thing you can provide.
6. Encourage Professional Help
If your loved one is open to help, offer suggestions for reaching out to a therapist, counselor, or crisis hotline. Keep in mind that encouraging, rather than pressuring, is crucial:
- โI think talking to someone might be helpful. Would you like me to help you find a professional to talk to?โ
7. Know When to Call for Emergency Help
In cases where your loved one is a danger to themselves or othersโsuch as exhibiting suicidal behavior, threats of violence, or severe psychosisโitโs critical to contact emergency services. You can:
- Call 911 and inform responders about the mental health crisis.
- Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for guidance and support.
- Involve mobile crisis units, if available in your area, to send trained mental health professionals instead of law enforcement.
Dos and Donโts During a Crisis
DO:
- Stay Present: Let your loved one know youโre not going anywhere.
- Ask Questions: Gently ask how theyโre feeling or what they need.
- Respect Boundaries: If they refuse to talk, give them time and space while checking in regularly.
- Follow Up: Even after the immediate crisis ends, continue showing support by checking in and encouraging professional help.
DON’T:
- Minimize Their Feelings: Avoid saying things like, โItโs not that badโ or โYouโll get over it.โ
- Argue, Judge, or Blame: Criticism and defensiveness may escalate the situation.
- Make Promises You Canโt Keep: Be honest about what you can and cannot do to help.
- Ignore the Situation: Hoping the crisis will resolve itself without intervention can lead to further complications.
Supporting Yourself While Helping a Loved One
Supporting someone in a mental health crisis can take an emotional toll on you too. Here are a few tips to maintain your own well-being:
- Set Boundaries: Itโs okay to take breaks and prioritize your own mental health.
- Seek Support: Consider talking to a therapist, counselor, or trusted friend about your own feelings.
- Practice Self-Care: Ensure youโre eating well, sleeping enough, and finding time for activities that bring you joy.
- Know Your Limits: Recognize when you need professional assistance to handle the situation.
After the Crisis: Helping Your Loved One Continue Their Recovery
Once the immediate crisis has passed, encourage your loved one to seek ongoing care. This might include therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, or participation in support groups. Recovery is a journey, and itโs important to remain patient and supportive as they navigate the process.
Help your Loved One in a Mental Health Crisis and Call Moving Mountains Today
Knowing how to help your loved one in a mental health crisis can provide comfort to both you and the person in need. By staying calm, showing empathy, and taking appropriate action, you can help your loved one feel supported while also guiding them toward the professional care they need.
If your loved one is struggling with mental health issues or substance use, Moving Mountains Recovery is here to help. Contact us today for compassionate support, resources, and professional care options to help your loved one on the path to healing and recovery. Together, we can move mountains.
