Practical Answers for Everyday Independence

Recognizing a Mental Health Crisis & Getting Help – QG

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Category: Health & Safety

⚡ Recognizing a Mental Health Crisis & Getting Help

A mental health crisis occurs when someone’s thoughts, emotions, or behavior become so overwhelming that they may be unable to cope safely without immediate support.

A crisis may involve suicidal thoughts, severe emotional distress, extreme confusion, unusual beliefs, panic, substance use, aggression, or an inability to care for basic needs.

You do not need to diagnose the person. Focus on immediate safety and getting appropriate help.

Call 911 for Immediate Danger

Call 911 if:

  • A suicide attempt has occurred.
  • The person has seriously injured themselves.
  • The person has taken an overdose.
  • The person has a weapon and may use it.
  • Someone is threatening immediate violence.
  • The person is unconscious or not breathing normally.
  • The person cannot be kept safe.
  • A serious medical problem may be causing the behavior.

Tell the dispatcher that the situation involves a mental health crisis. Describe what the person is doing, whether weapons are present, and whether medication, alcohol, or drugs may be involved.

Call or Text 988 for Crisis Support

In the United States, call or text 988 when you or someone else:

  • Is thinking about suicide
  • Is experiencing severe emotional distress
  • Feels unable to cope
  • Is having a mental health or substance-use crisis
  • Needs support but is not in immediate physical danger
  • Is worried about a friend or family member
  • Needs help deciding what to do next

You do not need to be suicidal to contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You may also use online chat at 988lifeline.org.

For Spanish, call 988 and press 2 or text AYUDA to 988. Veterans and service members can call 988 and press 1 or text 838255.

Possible Crisis Warning Signs

Watch for sudden, severe, or worsening changes such as:

  • Talking about suicide, death, or wanting to disappear
  • Saying that there is no reason to live
  • Feeling trapped, hopeless, or like a burden
  • Giving away important possessions
  • Saying goodbye unexpectedly
  • Searching for ways to die
  • Obtaining a weapon or collecting medication
  • Severe panic, fear, anger, or sadness
  • Extreme or rapid mood changes
  • Not sleeping for several nights
  • Confused or disorganized speech
  • Hearing or seeing things others do not
  • Extreme suspiciousness
  • Reckless or dangerous behavior
  • Increased alcohol or drug use
  • Neglecting food, hygiene, medication, or shelter
  • Withdrawing from family and friends
  • Being unable to complete basic daily tasks

A person may still be in danger even if they suddenly appear calmer.

Ask Directly About Suicide

If you are concerned, ask clearly:

  • “Are you thinking about suicide?”
  • “Are you thinking about killing yourself?”
  • “Have you thought about how you would do it?”
  • “Do you have access to what you would use?”
  • “Are you planning to do it today or soon?”
  • “Have you already done anything to hurt yourself?”

Do not use vague or judgmental questions. Remain calm if the person says yes.

Say:

  • “Thank you for telling me.”
  • “I’m staying with you.”
  • “We’re going to get help.”
  • “You do not have to handle this alone.”

Do not promise to keep suicidal thoughts secret.

How to Support Someone

Approach slowly and speak calmly.

  • Use short, clear sentences.
  • Give the person physical space.
  • Reduce noise, crowds, and bright lights.
  • Listen without judgment.
  • Ask what would help them feel safer.
  • Offer to call 988 together.
  • Stay with them while help is arranged.
  • Remove children and bystanders from the area.
  • Keep yourself near a safe exit.

Avoid:

  • Shouting
  • Threatening
  • Arguing
  • Mocking unusual beliefs
  • Touching the person without permission
  • Blocking the person’s exit
  • Telling them to “snap out of it”
  • Saying that others have it worse
  • Trying to handle a dangerous situation alone

If the Person Is Experiencing Psychosis

A person experiencing psychosis may hear voices, see things others do not, become severely confused, or believe someone is trying to harm them.

Do not aggressively argue about what is real.

Instead, say:

  • “I understand that this feels frightening.”
  • “I’m not seeing or hearing what you are, but I believe you’re scared.”
  • “Let’s move somewhere quieter.”
  • “I want to help you stay safe.”

Ask what any voices are telling the person to do. Call 911 if the person may hurt themselves or someone else, cannot care for basic needs, or cannot be kept safe.

Make the Environment Safer

If you can do so without placing yourself in danger:

  • Secure firearms.
  • Lock up medication.
  • Remove alcohol and drugs.
  • Secure knives, chemicals, ropes, and car keys.
  • Move away from rooftops, traffic, train platforms, and bodies of water.
  • Reduce noise and stimulation.

Do not try to grab a weapon from someone. Move to safety and call 911.

Do Not Leave a High-Risk Person Alone

Stay with the person—or make sure another responsible adult remains with them—if they:

  • Intend to die
  • Have a suicide plan
  • Have access to a method
  • Have already hurt themselves
  • Are intoxicated and suicidal
  • Are severely confused
  • Cannot agree to remain safe while help is arranged

If you are communicating by phone or text, try to obtain their location. Keep them talking while emergency help is contacted when necessary.

After the Immediate Crisis

Once the person is safe:

  • Arrange professional follow-up.
  • Help with transportation when appropriate.
  • Review discharge instructions.
  • Keep dangerous items secured.
  • Check in regularly.
  • Help the person create a written safety plan.
  • Continue taking returning symptoms seriously.

A safety plan should include warning signs, coping strategies, trusted contacts, professional resources, and steps for making the environment safer.

Quick Crisis Checklist

  • Stay calm.
  • Ask what is happening.
  • Listen without judgment.
  • Ask directly about suicide.
  • Call or text 988 for crisis support.
  • Call 911 for immediate danger.
  • Do not leave a high-risk person alone.
  • Secure dangerous items when safe.
  • Do not argue with hallucinations or unusual beliefs.
  • Share accurate information with responders.
  • Arrange follow-up care.
  • Seek support for yourself too.

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Important Health & Safety Notice

The information in this guide is provided for general educational purposes only. Independence Answers is not a medical provider, and this content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or supervision. Always follow the instructions of your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare professional, especially if you have a medical condition, take medication, or are unsure whether an action is safe for you.

Do not ignore or delay seeking professional care because of something you read here. If you believe someone may be experiencing a serious or life-threatening emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.