When Mental Health Is an Emergency: What To Do and Say

It’s not always easy to tell when someone is in a mental health crisis. Sometimes, people might seem perfectly fine on the outside, but they’re struggling inside. That’s why it’s essential to be aware of the warning signs of a mental health emergency and know what to do if you encounter someone who is in crisis.

This post will highlight some signs to watch for and provide tips to help you care for a friend who is struggling. It will also provide contact information on where to get help with mental health services.

Warning Signs of a Mental Health Emergency

Family members are often the first to notice when mental health takes a downward turn. This puts them in the best place to offer emergency assistance. There are several warning signs that may show someone is in a mental health crisis. These include:

Talking About Harming Themselves or Others

Any comments from friends about hurting themselves or others should be treated as a serious matter. Violent behaviors, including those directed internally, could have fatal consequences. Be alert to signs of self-harm, including cuts or burns, with no reasonable explanation. Self-harm can lead to other self-destructive behaviors and serious health complications.

Expressing Feelings of Hopelessness

When a person is in emotional distress, they may feel like there is no way out and that their situation is hopeless. This can lead to dangerous behaviors, as they may see suicide as the only way to escape their pain. They may talk about causing harm to themselves or feeling suicidal.

Sudden Changes in Behavior

If you notice an abrupt change in someone’s behavior or mood, it could be a sign that they are in a mental health crisis. This could include changes in eating habits, energy levels, or mood. Your loved one may struggle to care for their basic needs and have difficulty sleeping, or sleep too much.

Isolating Themselves From Friends and Family

People coping with a mental health condition may start isolating themselves. They may stop attending social events, stop returning phone calls and text messages, and withdraw from activities they used to enjoy.

Increase in Alcohol or Drug Use

If someone is using alcohol or drugs to cope with their stress or anxiety, it could be a sign that they are coping with mental health problems. Substance abuse may be their way of self-medicating to numb their pain. Drug and alcohol use is especially concerning when it becomes an everyday habit.

Exhibiting Extreme Mood Swings

Extreme mood swings could be a sign that your loved one is in a mental health crisis. They may go from feeling happy one moment to feeling angry and aggressive the next. Mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder are often first identified by radical mood swings.

 Behaving Erratically or Impulsively

 Emotional distress may present as behaving erratically or impulsively. This could include engaging in risky behaviors, making hasty decisions, or acting out in unusual ways. People with posttraumatic stress disorder may react intensely to loud noises or surprises.

If you see any of these warning signs in yourself or someone else, it’s important to take action. Next up, you’ll learn ways you can help someone cope with a mental health issue.

How To Help Someone in Crisis

It can be a scary time when a loved one displays symptoms of a mental illness. It’s vital you keep your head and stay alert. Untreated, some disorders have the potential to be life-threatening. Mood disorders can show up at any age, so there’s good reason to be alert.

There are four main ways you can provide support.

Listen to What They Have To Say

This is probably the most important thing you can do. Just let them know you’re there for them and willing to listen. Don’t try to fix their problems or offer advice unless they ask for it. Just be a shoulder to cry on and an ear to vent to.

Encourage Them To Seek Professional Help

 If they’re open to the idea, encourage them to seek professional help or call a national suicide prevention lifeline. Treatment for mental health issues could include talk therapy, medication, or both. Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of, and professional services can be very effective.

Remind Them How Much You Care

Let them know you care about them and want to help. This can be a difficult time for both of you, but it’s important to remind them they’re not alone.

Take Action When Necessary

If you’re worried about the life and safety of a family member, take immediate action. A situation can quickly become critical or spin out of control. This could mean calling the police or taking them to the hospital. It’s better to err on the side of caution with mental health.

What To Say

When talking to someone coping with depression or anxiety, it’s important to be supportive and understanding. Say things like, “I’m here for you” or “I’m worried about you.” Ask them how they’re doing and if there’s anything you can do to help.

In the middle of a mental illness episode, your loved one might feel unlovable and alone. Be willing to sit with them in silence if necessary. Try not to be offended by anything they say. Your goal is to provide assistance, and what they may need most is someone to listen to them.

Where To Get Help

Ignoring troubling symptoms can have potentially life-threatening consequences. If you or someone you love is in emotional distress, there are many services available to provide mental health referrals. Here are some of the most common:

Hotlines: There are many crisis counseling hotlines available 24 hours a day, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing the new thee digit  number 988. Trained volunteers can direct you to the nearest crisis center in your area and keep all calls confidential.

Hospitals: If someone is in danger of causing serious harm to themselves or others, you can take them to a hospital emergency room for evaluation and treatment. Many communities also have programs that provide patient mental health services for those with limited income.

Therapists: If you’re struggling with your mental health, you can seek help from a community therapist or counselor. Therapists often work with your doctor in developing a complete treatment plan.

Support groups: There are many support groups available for people with mental health and substance abuse issues, such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. Trained crisis workers often lead these group sessions. They understand emergencies and know where to direct you for crisis counseling or immediate emergency assistance.

If you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. There are many resources available, so you don’t have to go through this alone.

Jocelyn Farrar, LCSW

www.yourlifepathcenter.com