Mental health challenges are increasingly visible today, but one of the most difficult situations you may face is when a loved one goes through a mental health crisis. A mental health crisis can involve behaviors, emotions, or situations that overwhelm their ability to cope, potentially putting their safety or well-being at risk. Knowing how to respond can make all the difference for their recovery and emotional health.

Whether it’s a family member, close friend, or colleague, many people struggle to support loved ones during a mental health crisis due to fear, uncertainty, or lack of knowledge. In this blog post, we’ll walk through actionable strategies for helping someone in a mental health crisis, explore signs to watch for, and equip you with the tools to provide compassionate and effective support.

What Is a Mental Health Crisis?

A mental health crisis involves disturbances in thoughts or behavior that lead to unsafe or dangerous actions, emotional breakdowns, or an inability to function in daily life. This can include suicidal thoughts, psychosis, extreme panic attacks, severe withdrawal, or uncontrollable emotions.

A mental health crisis doesn’t necessarily mean someone has a mental illness—it can happen to anyone dealing with severe stress, trauma, or emotional overwhelm. That said, individuals already living with a mental health condition, like depression, bipolar disorder, or PTSD, are at a higher risk of crises.

Signs Someone is in a Mental Health Crisis

Recognizing when someone is in crisis can be complicated, but there are several signs to watch for:

• Intense Emotional Distress: Uncontrollable crying, anger outbursts, or feelings of hopelessness.
• Withdrawn Behavior: Sudden isolation from family, friends, or regular activities.
• Drastic Changes in Mood: High levels of irritability or depressive behavior.
• Talking About Self-Harm or Suicide: Statements like “I don’t want to be here anymore” or “I can’t do this” may indicate a danger to themselves.
• Erratic Behavior: Moments of confusion, paranoia, or delusions (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there).
• Substance Abuse: Increased reliance on alcohol or drugs during times of emotional instability.
• Physical Signs: Lack of personal hygiene, loss of appetite, or physical exhaustion.

If you suspect that someone may be in crisis, it’s critical to take their behavior seriously, even if they don’t outright say they need help.

How to Help a Loved One in a Mental Health Crisis

If you’re noticing signs of crisis, your instinct may be to panic or feel helpless. However, learning how to effectively support someone in distress can help steer them toward safety and recovery. Here are seven actionable steps to help a loved one through a mental health crisis:

Stay Calm and Collected

While witnessing a loved one in crisis is emotionally taxing, it’s important to remain calm. Projecting anxiety or panic may amplify the situation. Take slow, deep breaths to center yourself, and approach them with a grounding and supportive presence.

Use Compassionate Communication

The way you communicate during a crisis matters. Avoid using judgmental language or diminishing their feelings with phrases like “You’ll be fine” or “It’s not that bad.” Instead, express empathy and ask open-ended questions, such as:

• “I can see you’re feeling overwhelmed—how can I support you?”
• “Would you like to talk about what’s going on?”
• “I care about you and want to help. What do you need right now?”

Let them know they’re not alone and that their emotions are valid.

Assess Immediate Safety

If your loved one expresses thoughts of suicide, self-harm, or harm toward others, their safety becomes the priority. Ask direct and nonjudgmental questions like, “Are you thinking about hurting yourself or others?” If the answer is yes, contact emergency services or a local mental health crisis line immediately.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 988 and offers support 24/7.

Offer Practical Support

In crisis situations, even basic tasks can feel overwhelming. Offer to help with practical needs, such as driving them to therapy appointments, helping them find resources, or making phone calls on their behalf. For example, you could research local mental health facilities in New Jersey or contact their primary care provider if they have one.

5. Don’t Try to Solve Everything Yourself

It’s natural to want to fix the problem, but remember that you aren’t a mental health professional. Your role is to provide emotional care and guide them to the right resources for professional treatment. Reassure them it’s okay to seek help—it’s a sign of strength, not weakness.

6. Assist Them in Getting Professional Help

Directing your loved one to professional treatment is one of the most impactful ways to help during a crisis. Consider therapy, counseling, or programs such as Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) that provide intensive care while allowing patients to return home in the evenings. Rethink Mental Health in Neptune City, NJ, offers a range of tailored programs to support individuals during times of stress, burnout, or mental health crises.

7. Practice Self-Care

Supporting someone in crisis can take a toll on your emotional health. Ensure you have your own support system, practice self-care routines, and seek therapy or counseling if needed. You can’t effectively help others if you aren’t taking care of your own well-being.

Supporting Research: The Importance of Timely Care

Research highlights the importance of early intervention in addressing mental health crises. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), individuals who receive timely mental health intervention are significantly less likely to face long-term consequences, such as hospitalization or worsening conditions [Source].

By acting quickly, calmly, and directing your loved one to care, you can positively impact their recovery journey.

How Rethink Mental Health Can Help

At Rethink Mental Health, located in Neptune City, NJ, we specialize in supporting individuals and families navigating mental health crises. Our professional mental health programs, including burnout treatment and personalized therapy, are designed to help individuals reclaim balance, control, and well-being during difficult times.

Why Choose Us?

• Comprehensive Treatment Programs: We offer tailored solutions, including burnout recovery, stress management counseling, and Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP).
• Licensed Professionals: Our team of therapists and counselors is highly experienced in managing crises and developing recovery plans.
• Supportive Environment: We provide a safe, compassionate space where clients can work toward emotional healing and mental stability.

Contact Rethink Mental Health Today

If your loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis, we’re here to help. Don’t wait until the situation escalates—reach out to Rethink Mental Health for expert guidance and support.

Call now to learn more about our burnout treatment program in New Jersey and other mental health services. Together, we can help your loved one move forward toward a brighter future.