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.

Alcohol abuse is a pervasive issue affecting millions of individuals globally. Its detrimental effects extend beyond the individual, permeating families and intimate relationships, causing a ripple effect that disrupts every facet of life. When your spouse struggles with alcoholism, the emotional toll can be overwhelming, leaving you feeling isolated, helpless, and uncertain about how to help. Alcohol addiction doesn’t just impact the person drinking; it can devastate relationships, erode trust, and create a toxic home environment.

Understanding alcohol abuse and its consequences is the first step toward making meaningful change. This article explores how to recognize the signs of an alcohol problem, the steps you can take to help your spouse seek treatment, and how to support them through recovery. By taking proactive measures, you can help guide your spouse towards a healthier lifestyle and rebuild the foundation of your relationship.

Signs That Your Spouse May Have a Drinking Problem

Identifying an alcohol problem in its early stages can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment and recovery. Here are some signs that your spouse may be struggling with alcohol dependency:

Frequent Drinking: An increase in the frequency and quantity of alcohol consumption can be a telltale sign of dependency. Observe if your spouse drinks more often and needs more significant amounts to achieve the same effect.

Neglecting Responsibilities: Alcoholism often leads to a decline in the fulfillment of responsibilities. Notice if your spouse neglects household chores, misses work deadlines, or overlooks family commitments due to drinking or recovering from drinking.

Behavioral Changes: Mood swings, irritability, and defensiveness about drinking habits are common behavioral changes associated with alcoholism. If your spouse becomes agitated when questioned about their drinking or starts hiding their drinking habits, this might indicate a problem.

Health Issues: Physical symptoms such as frequent hangovers, unexplained injuries, and deteriorating health can signal alcohol abuse. Blackouts or lapses in memory following drinking sessions are also red flags.

Social Withdrawal: Someone struggling with alcoholism may begin to isolate themselves from family and friends, preferring to drink alone rather than engage in social activities.

Financial Problems: Alcohol addiction can lead to financial difficulties due to the high cost of maintaining the habit. Look for unexplained spending or neglect of financial responsibilities, which may indicate an underlying issue.

Steps to Take to Get an Alcoholic Spouse Treatment

Once you recognize that your spouse may have a drinking problem, it’s crucial to approach the situation thoughtfully and sensitively. Here are steps you can take to help your spouse seek treatment:

1. Educate Yourself

Understanding alcoholism as a disease can help you approach your spouse with empathy and knowledge. Educate yourself on the signs, symptoms, and treatment options available. This will enable you to have informed conversations and provide the necessary support.

2. Choose the Right Time and Place

Timing is critical when discussing your concerns with your spouse. Choose a moment when they are sober and open to dialogue. Ensure that the environment is quiet, private, and free of distractions.

3. Express Your Concerns

When speaking to your spouse, use “I” statements to communicate your feelings without appearing accusatory. For instance, say, “I am worried about your drinking and how it’s affecting our family,” rather than, “You have a drinking problem.”

4. Encourage Professional Help

Gently suggest seeking professional help, such as therapy or rehabilitation programs. Highlight the benefits of treatment, including improved health, better relationships, and a brighter future.

5. Offer Support

Assure your spouse that they are not alone in this journey. Offer to accompany them to therapy sessions or support group meetings. Providing emotional support can significantly increase their willingness to seek help.

6. Set Boundaries

Establish healthy boundaries to protect your well-being. Make it clear what behaviors are unacceptable and what consequences will follow if those boundaries are crossed.

7. Take Care of Yourself

Helping an alcoholic spouse can take a toll on your mental and physical health. Ensure you have a support system, whether friends, family, or a therapist, to help you navigate this challenging time.

If you recognize the signs of alcoholism in your spouse, taking immediate action can make a significant difference in their path to recovery. Encouragement and support from loved ones are 

crucial in overcoming addiction.

Get Your Loved One The Help They Need Today

At Excel Treatment Center of New Jersey, we specialize in comprehensive treatment programs designed to treat substance abuse and support long-term recovery. Our team of experienced professionals is committed to providing individualized care tailored to meet each patient’s unique needs. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Reach out to Excel Treatment Center today and take the first step toward a healthier, brighter future for you and your spouse.

Empower your spouse by acting and providing the support they need to reclaim their life. Together, you can overcome the challenges of alcoholism and build a resilient, fulfilling future.