When someone you love is struggling with their mental health, it can feel like you’re riding a rollercoaster of emotions — you might be worried about saying the wrong thing, frustrated that you can’t fix it or desperate to help but unsure where to start. You’re not alone, and there are practical ways you can offer real support when it matters most.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), a mental health crisis is “any situation in which a person’s behavior puts them at risk of hurting themselves or others and/or prevents them from being able to care for themselves or function effectively in the community”.

Anyone can experience a mental health crisis. They can even occur in people without a diagnosed mental health condition. It’s important for everyone in a community to be on the lookout for friends, family and acquaintances who need help.

At Camber Mental Health, we believe that with the right support, healing and hope are always possible even in the most difficult moments. Your support can make all the difference to someone going through a difficult time, even if you don’t have all the answers. From helping your loved one feel safe to getting them the resources they need to get better, here is how you can help those you care about when they’re in a mental health crisis.

How to Support a Loved One in a Mental Health Crisis: Five Things You Can Do

If someone you love is experiencing a mental health crisis, the first step is showing up. Be present and listen compassionately. You don’t need to have the answers, you don’t need to fix them and you don’t need to place a label on what they’re going through. Remember, their behaviors and emotions are not who they are. This mental health crisis does not define who they are — and they can work through it with empathy and support.

Here are five other things you can do to help your loved one feel safe, cared for and empowered to heal:

1. Create a Safe, Calm Environment

Provide a safe space for your loved one where they can feel relaxed and comforted. Dim the lights, turn off the TV and keep stimulation minimal so the tension can begin to ease. Encourage them to silence their phone and set social media aside while you talk and figure out next steps together. If your loved one finds music comforting, hit play on a favorite mental health playlist. Mental health crises are overwhelming, and a soothing environment can help them feel safe.

Make sure that you remove anything that triggers your loved one, along with anything that could be used for self-harm. Triggers can be physical (think household items, like scissors, knives, razors, needles, etc.), but also consumables (like medications, or even toxic cleaning chemicals like bleach). And firearm safety is always crucial as well.

2. Offer to Connect with Social Network

Remember, social support is important! However, the amount of social support should be up to the person in crisis. If they’re not sure how to ask for help, offer to reach out on their behalf and invite others to be with them. If they reject this idea, respect their wishes and don’t pressure them to open up if they’re not ready.

They may also need help communicating with those they cannot ignore, such as school, work, roommates or parents. Be ready to advocate for them in these situations without oversharing what they’re going through.

3. Communicate Calmly and Clearly

Use simple, clear language to communicate and discuss options. Your loved one may not always be able to answer your questions, so let them know it’s okay if the answer is, “I don’t know.” Advocate for their autonomy so they feel in control of the situation and empowered to engage in recovery.

4. Provide Resources

That your loved one was able to open up to you about what they’re going through is a huge step. But they may not know where else to go. Make sure they’re aware of the many resources available and help them navigate their options, including local mental health treatment hospitals and the Mental Health Crisis Hotline.

If you or your loved one are in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Not sure where to go locally? Contact one of these mental health hotlines for assistance and immediate support:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988, or chat online

• Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741, chat online or through WhatsApp

• NAMI Teen & Young Adult Helpline: Text “Friend” to 62640, call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or email helpline@nami.org.
• Trevor Project Crisis Support Services for LGBTQ+ Young People: Call 866-488-7386, text 678678 or chat online  

Camber Mental Health is here to help with compassionate, evidence-based care for children, teens and families. Visit our admissions page to find a mental health hospital near you and our resource library for more information

5. Continue Showing Up

Mental health support needs don’t end when the crisis does. Even if this was a one-time crisis that will never happen again, everyone needs love and compassion to thrive. Keep consistently showing up for your loved one, and find ways to socialize with them that encourage good mental health, like walking or sharing a hobby. Remember: You were the person they trusted the most during a low point in their life. By continuing to show up, you are letting them know that you will always be that person they can talk to when things get tough.

When Professional Help is Needed

When someone is in a mental health crisis, professional support is crucial in finding hope and moving forward. Camber Mental Health provides compassionate care through our inpatient hospitals and residential treatment centers. If someone you know is going through a mental health crisis, talk to them about how we can help and learn more about our admissions process together.