When a loved one is going through a mental health crisis, it can feel confusing, emotional, and overwhelming. You want to help, but you may not know how. At Excel Behavioral Health, we understand how difficult these moments can be, and we believe that support, compassion, and the proper response can make a lasting impact. If you want to learn the ways to help someone in a mental health crisis, these five steps can guide you toward being a steady, supportive presence.
1. Listen Without Judgment
Listening is one of the most potent ways to help someone in a mental health crisis. During a crisis, many individuals feel isolated, dismissed, or misunderstood. Your willingness to listen without judgment can be incredibly grounding.
How to listen effectively:
- Be present. Set aside distractions like your phone or TV and offer your full attention.
- Validate their feelings. Let them know it’s okay to feel what they’re feeling, even if you don’t fully understand it.
- Avoid trying to fix it. Sometimes, being heard is more helpful than any advice you could offer.
Listening creates a space where your loved one feels safe and valued. It can be the first step in helping them open up and begin to heal. You can also suggest that your loved one seek professional therapy, so they have a non-biased and trained resource to speak with.
2. Provide Reassurance and Support
Offering calm, reassuring support can make a big difference when someone feels out of control or afraid—your words and presence matter.
Ways to provide support:
- Express empathy using phrases like “I’m here for you” or “You’re not alone in this.”
- Stay calm. Your demeanor can influence how they feel in the moment.
- Be physically present. Sometimes, sitting with someone, without talking, can offer comfort.
Letting your loved one know you’re there without judgment can reduce their feelings of isolation and encourage them to open up.
3. Recognize the Signs of a Mental Health Crisis
Understanding the warning signs can help you intervene early and appropriately. Not all crises look the same, so it’s essential to stay alert to mood, behavior, or communication changes. Simply put, being able to recognize mental health concerns can be a key way to help someone in a mental health crisis.
Common signs of a mental health crisis include:
- Intense mood swings or agitation
- Withdrawing from loved ones and usual activities
- Significant changes in sleep or appetite
- Talking about feeling hopeless or expressing thoughts of self-harm or suicide
If any of these symptoms appear, especially if they worsen quickly, your loved one may need immediate professional intervention.
4. Encourage Professional Help
While your support is crucial, professional mental healthcare is often necessary to help someone stabilize and recover. Encouraging them to reach out can be a turning point.
How to encourage professional help:
- Normalize therapy. Remind them that seeking help for mental health is just as important as seeking help for physical health.
- Offer practical support. Help them look up local providers, call a treatment center, or go with them to their first appointment.
- Share resources. Facilities like Excel Behavioral Health offer compassionate and effective treatment programs for individuals in crisis.
Connecting your loved one with trained professionals ensures they receive the right level of care for their situation—and that you’re not carrying the burden alone.
5. Take Care of Yourself, Too
Supporting someone in a mental health crisis can take a toll on your own emotional and physical well-being. You must also care for yourself to be there for someone else.
Ways to care for yourself:
- Set boundaries. It’s okay to step away and recharge when you need to.
- Seek your support. Talk to a trusted friend, therapist, or support group.
- Prioritize self-care. Engage in activities that bring you peace, like exercise, journaling, or nature.
Caring for yourself ensures you’re emotionally grounded and better equipped to provide consistent, healthy support.
Learn the Ways to Help Someone in a Mental Health Crisis with Excel Behavioral Health
Mental health crises affect not only individuals but also the families and friends who love them. At Excel Behavioral Health, we’re committed to walking beside you and your loved one during these challenging times. With personalized treatment programs, expert clinicians, and a warm, understanding environment, we help individuals regain control of their mental health and help families find peace of mind.
If someone you care about is experiencing a mental health crisis, don’t wait to seek support. Contact Excel Behavioral Health today to learn more about our inpatient and outpatient mental health treatment options.
Your next step could be the turning point in their journey.
Let’s begin the healing process together.
