Immediate Steps: Safety First, Always
When a crisis is severe, your immediate priority is to ensure the safety of the person you care about and those around them. This is the moment to act with calm clarity, even if you feel panicked inside.
When to Seek Urgent Professional Help
Some situations are emergencies that require immediate intervention from professionals. Do not hesitate to seek help if the person:
Is talking about suicide or self-harm: Any mention of wanting to die, having a plan, or acquiring the means to end their life is an emergency. This includes saying goodbyes or giving away possessions.
Is unable to care for their basic needs: If they have not eaten, had water, or attended to essential hygiene for a prolonged period, their physical health is at risk.
Is experiencing psychosis: This can include hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there) or delusions (strongly held false beliefs) that put them or others at risk.
Poses a threat to others: If their behavior is aggressive, erratic, and you feel they may harm someone else, you must prioritize safety.
In these situations in the United States, you can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. This service is free, confidential, and available 24/7. They can provide immediate support and guidance. If you believe there is an immediate danger to life, call your local emergency services (like 911) and clearly state that you are facing a mental health emergency.
Creating a Safe Environment
If the person is with you and you are waiting for help or the crisis is not at an emergency level, focus on creating a calm and safe space. Speak in a low, gentle voice. Reduce external stimuli like loud noises or bright lights. Ask if there is anything you can do to make them feel safer. If they have mentioned specific means of self-harm and it is safe for you to do so, try to remove those items from the immediate vicinity. Your calm presence can be a powerful anchor when their internal world is a storm.
