Helping a Loved One in Need

Mental health and substance use are increasingly common, and we all need some basic tools and skills to assess, support, and protect people experiencing these disorders. A behavioral health crisis can take many forms, such as:

• self-harm
• panic attacks
• suicidal ideation
• overdose on drugs or alcohol

No matter what kind of crisis someone might be going through, you can help.

What You Can Say and Do

• Make sure to stay with your loved one while they’re at risk, and do not hesitate to get them professional help.
• Let them know that you are concerned for their well-being, and that they can lean on you for support. This is the most important thing you can communicate in a crisis.
• Use an empathetic, non-judgmental tone to encourage your loved one to talk about how they feel.
• Avoid minimizing their problems or giving advice. This may create distance between you and upset them further.
• Reassure them that whatever they’re experiencing is not their fault.
• Remember that you are not a trained professional. If you feel out of your depth, you may want to include other family members, your place of worship, community groups, or local crisis services for additional support.
• It’s important not to be afraid to ask directly if they are thinking about suicide. This question does not make someone become suicidal, but it does help both of you determine what to do next.
• Allow your loved one to stay in control. Offer them choices on how you can help them. Reassure them that it’s okay to seek help, even if they think that they can cope without it. Usually your loved one will agree they need help; sometimes however, you may need to unilaterally make this decision if you decide it could be in their best interests and personal safety.

Help Your Loved One Develop a Crisis Plan Before a Crisis Happens

A crisis plan is a document that contains important information and outlines how to manage a crisis situation, such as:

• Phone numbers of mental health professions, family members and friends
• A list of current prescription medications, doses and diagnosis
• Any history of suicide attempts, psychosis, hospitalizations or drug use
• Triggers and coping mechanism that have helped in the past

When a Crisis Intervention or Hospital Visit Is Needed

People may need a crisis intervention and/or go to the hospital if they:

• Threaten or try to take their lives or hurt themselves or others
• See or hear things (hallucinations)
• Believe things that aren’t true (delusions)
• Have problems with alcohol or substances
• Have not eaten or slept for several days
• Are unable to care for themselves or their families, e.g., getting out of bed, bathing, dressing
• Need to make a significant switch in treatment or medication under the close supervision of a doctor
• Have any symptom of mania or depression that significantly interferes with life