A mental health crisis happens when a person is experiencing serious mental health issues and is unable to cope with their symptoms or get the help they need. Symptoms can include things like extreme feelings of anxiety or depression, difficulty sleeping or getting motivated, or seeing and hearing things that aren’t there.

A mental health crisis can be a very difficult and frightening time for the person going through it. And their family and friends are often affected as well. For this reason, it’s crucial to know how to respond if your loved one is undergoing a mental health crisis to help them get better.

Don’t Take It Personally

Your friend or family member may behave in strange or unusual ways. They might even attempt to hurt themselves or someone else if not treated. This can be disheartening, but remember that your loved one is not at fault. Mental health issues can affect anyone, and your loved one may be unable to cope with whatever is going on in their life at the moment.

How To Help a Loved One Going Through a Mental Health Crisis

Mental illness is a serious problem, but one that is often met with stigma and shame. This negative perception can prevent people from reaching out and seeking help for their mental health issues. But fortunately, many people do reach out for help. And when they do, it’s important to know how to respond. Here are six ways to help a loved one going through a mental health crisis:

Editorial note: Information in this article is meant to be educational in nature, and not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice. If you or someone you know has a mental illness, is struggling emotionally, or has concerns about their mental health, there are ways to get help. The National Institute of Mental Health has a variety of resources available for a series of situations, which you can find here.

Mental health crisis