Mental Health Crisis

A mental health crisis is a situation where someone experiences severe psychological distress that overwhelms their ability to cope, potentially putting them or others at risk of harm. Understanding crisis situations and knowing how to respond can be life-saving and help connect people to the support they need.

 

Table of Contents | Jump Ahead

What Is a Mental Health Crisis?

Signs of Mental Health Crisis

Types of Mental Health Crises

Immediate Response to Mental Health Crisis

When to Call Emergency Services

Crisis Hotlines and Resources

What to Say and Not Say

Professional Crisis Intervention

Crisis Assessment

After a Mental Health Crisis

Crisis Prevention

Creating a Crisis Plan

Supporting Someone in Crisis

Crisis in Different Populations

Workplace Mental Health Crisis

Technology and Crisis Response

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Cultural Considerations

Recovery After Crisis

Community Crisis Response

Insurance and Crisis Care

Myths About Mental Health Crisis

Building Crisis Resilience

Related Terms

References

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What Is a Mental Health Crisis?

A mental health crisis occurs when someone's mental or emotional state deteriorates to the point where they cannot function safely or effectively in their daily life. This may involve thoughts of self-harm, harm to others, severe disorientation, or complete inability to care for themselves.

Key characteristics of mental health crisis:

 

• Immediate Risk: The person may be at risk of harming themselves or others, or unable to ensure their own safety.
• Overwhelming Distress: Emotional pain or psychological symptoms that exceed the person's ability to cope.
• Impaired Functioning: Severe disruption in the ability to think clearly, make decisions, or perform basic daily activities.
• Need for Immediate Help: The situation requires prompt intervention and professional support.

 

 

Signs of Mental Health Crisis

Suicidal Thoughts or Behaviours

• Talking about wanting to die or kill themselves
• Looking for ways to harm themselves
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose
• Giving away prized possessions
• Saying goodbye to loved ones

Threat to Others

• Threatening to hurt others
• Aggressive or violent behaviour
• Paranoid thoughts about others
• Loss of touch with reality involving others

Severe Disorientation

• Confusion about time, place, or identity
• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't there)
• Delusions (false beliefs that seem real)
• Incoherent speech or behaviour

Complete Inability to Function

• Cannot care for basic needs (eating, hygiene, safety)
• Extreme withdrawal from all activities
• Catatonic behaviour (not moving or responding)
• Severe panic that doesn't subside

 

 

Types of Mental Health Crises

• Suicidal Crisis: When someone is actively considering or planning to end their life.
• Psychotic Episode: Loss of contact with reality, including hallucinations, delusions, or severe disorganisation.
• Severe Panic Attack: Intense anxiety that feels life-threatening and doesn't respond to usual coping strategies.
• Manic Episode: Extreme elevated mood with dangerous impulsivity, poor judgment, or grandiose delusions.
• Severe Depression: Overwhelming sadness, hopelessness, or numbness that prevents basic functioning.
• Trauma Response: Acute reaction to traumatic events that overwhelms normal coping abilities.

 

 

Immediate Response to Mental Health Crisis

• Ensure Safety: Remove any immediate dangers and create a safe environment for everyone involved.
• Stay Calm: Your calm presence can help de-escalate the situation and provide reassurance.
• Listen Without Judgment: Allow the person to express their feelings without trying to fix or minimise their experience.
• Don't Leave Them Alone: Stay with the person or ensure someone trustworthy is present until professional help arrives.
• Call for Help: Contact emergency services, crisis hotlines, or mental health professionals as appropriate.

 

 

When to Call Emergency Services

• Immediate Danger: If the person is actively trying to harm themselves or others, call 911 immediately.
• Severe Disorientation: If the person is completely out of touch with reality and cannot ensure their safety.
• Medical Emergency: If there are physical symptoms like overdose, severe injury, or medical complications.
• Threats of Violence: If the person is threatening to harm others or displaying violent behavior.

 

 

Crisis Hotlines and Resources

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 - Available 24/7 for anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Note: In the United States, dialing 988 connects to the national network; in many places you can also text or chat via official channels.
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for 24/7 crisis support via text message.
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 for help with domestic violence situations. This is typically available 24/7 and offers bilingual support.
• SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 for mental health and substance abuse treatment referrals. This service provides information and referrals, but availability may vary by region.
• Local Crisis Services: Many communities have local crisis intervention teams and mobile crisis units. Availability and contact methods vary by location; check your local health department or emergency services for specifics.
• Find a helpline, suicide hotline, or crisis line in your country: https://www.therapyroute.com/article/helplines-suicide-hotlines-and-crisis-lines-from-around-the-world
• Find an emergency ambulance number in your country: https://www.therapyroute.com/article/ambulance-emergency-numbers-worldwide-list-by-therapyroute

 

 

What to Say and Not Say

Helpful Responses

• "I'm here for you"
• "You're not alone"
• "I care about you"
• "Let's get help together"
• "Your life matters"

Things to Avoid

• "Just think positive"
• "Others have it worse"
• "You have so much to live for"
• "This is just a phase"
• "Snap out of it"

Active Listening

• Reflect what you hear: "It sounds like you're feeling..."
• Ask open-ended questions: "Can you tell me more about that?"
• Validate their feelings: "That sounds really difficult"

 

 

Professional Crisis Intervention

• Crisis Counsellors: Trained professionals who specialise in helping people through acute mental health crises.
• Mobile Crisis Teams: Mental health professionals who can come to your location to provide immediate support.
• Emergency Room: Hospital emergency departments can provide immediate psychiatric evaluation and stabilisation.
• Crisis Stabilisation Units: Specialised facilities designed to provide short-term intensive support during mental health crises.
• Psychiatric Hospitalisation: Inpatient treatment for people who need intensive, round-the-clock care for safety.

 

 

Crisis Assessment

• Risk Evaluation: Mental health professionals assess the level of risk to the person and others.
• Safety Planning: Developing immediate strategies to keep the person safe.
• Treatment Recommendations: Determining what level of care and support is needed.
• Follow-Up Planning: Ensuring continuity of care after the immediate crisis is resolved.

 

 

After a Mental Health Crisis

• Safety Planning: Developing a detailed plan for managing future crisis situations.
• Treatment Engagement: Connecting with ongoing mental health treatment and support services.
• Medication Evaluation: Assessing whether medication changes are needed to prevent future crises.
• Support System Activation: Engaging family, friends, and community resources for ongoing support.
• Follow-Up Care: Regular check-ins with mental health professionals to monitor stability.

 

 

Crisis Prevention

• Warning Sign Recognition: Learning to identify early signs that a crisis may be developing.
• Coping Skills Development: Building healthy strategies for managing stress and difficult emotions.
• Support Network Building: Maintaining connections with people who can provide help during difficult times.
• Treatment Adherence: Consistently taking medications and attending therapy appointments as prescribed.
• Stress Management: Developing regular practices for managing daily stress and maintaining mental health.

 

 

Creating a Crisis Plan

• Warning Signs: List early warning signs that indicate you might be heading toward a crisis.
• Coping Strategies: Identify specific techniques that help you manage difficult emotions and thoughts.
• Support Contacts: List people you can call for support, including friends, family, and professionals.
• Professional Resources: Include contact information for your therapist, psychiatrist, and crisis services.
• Safety Measures: Plan for removing or securing potentially harmful items during a crisis.

 

 

Supporting Someone in Crisis

• Take It Seriously: Never dismiss or minimise someone's expressions of suicidal thoughts or severe distress.
• Be Present: Offer your time and attention without trying to solve all their problems.
• Encourage Professional Help: Support them in seeking professional mental health services.
• Follow Up: Check in regularly after the immediate crisis has passed.
• Take Care of Yourself: Supporting someone in crisis can be emotionally draining; seek your own support as needed.

 

 

Crisis in Different Populations

• Children and Adolescents: Young people may express crisis differently and need age-appropriate interventions.
• Older Adults: Seniors may face unique risk factors and may need specialised crisis response.
• People with Disabilities: Crisis intervention should be adapted to accommodate various disabilities.
• LGBTQ+ Individuals: May face unique stressors and need culturally competent crisis support.
• Veterans: May have specific trauma-related crisis needs and specialised resources available.

 

 

Workplace Mental Health Crisis

• Recognising Signs: Identifying when a coworker may be experiencing a mental health crisis.
• Appropriate Response: How to respond professionally while maintaining boundaries.
• Resources: Employee assistance programs and workplace mental health resources.
• Creating Supportive Environments: Building workplace cultures that support mental health and crisis prevention.

 

 

Technology and Crisis Response

• Crisis Apps: Smartphone applications that provide immediate access to crisis resources and coping tools.
• Text-Based Support: Crisis text lines that provide immediate support via text messaging.
• Online Crisis Chat: Web-based platforms for real-time crisis counselling.
• Telehealth Crisis Services: Video-based crisis intervention and assessment services.

 

 

Legal and Ethical Considerations

• Involuntary Commitment: When and how someone can be hospitalised against their will for mental health reasons.
• Confidentiality Limits: When mental health professionals must break confidentiality to ensure safety.
• Consent and Capacity: Understanding when someone may not be able to make decisions for themselves.
• Rights and Advocacy: Ensuring that people in crisis are treated with dignity and their rights are protected.

 

 

Cultural Considerations

• Cultural Expression: Understanding how different cultures express and respond to mental health crises.
• Family Involvement: Recognising varying cultural norms about family involvement in crisis situations.
• Religious and Spiritual Factors: Incorporating spiritual resources and beliefs into crisis response when appropriate.
• Language and Communication: Ensuring crisis services are accessible in different languages and communication styles.

 

 

Recovery After Crisis

• Stabilisation: Focusing on immediate safety and symptom management.
• Understanding the Crisis: Working with professionals to understand what led to the crisis.
• Treatment Adjustment: Modifying treatment plans based on what was learned from the crisis.
• Rebuilding Confidence: Gradually rebuilding confidence in your ability to manage mental health challenges.
• Preventing Future Crises: Developing stronger coping skills and support systems.

 

 

Community Crisis Response

• Crisis Intervention Teams: Specialised police and mental health professional partnerships for crisis response.
• Community Mental Health Centres: Local resources for crisis intervention and ongoing mental health support.
• Peer Support Programs: People with lived experience providing support during and after mental health crises.
• Public Education: Community programs that teach crisis recognition and response skills.

 

 

Insurance and Crisis Care

• Emergency Coverage: Understanding what crisis services are covered by your insurance.
• Prior Authorisation: Emergency mental health services typically don't require prior approval.
• Out-of-Network Coverage: Crisis situations may allow for out-of-network coverage when in-network providers aren't available.
• Follow-Up Care: Ensuring insurance coverage for ongoing treatment after a crisis.

 

 

Myths About Mental Health Crisis

• "It's Just Attention-Seeking": Mental health crises are real medical emergencies that require professional intervention.
• "They Should Just Get Over It": Mental health crises involve complex biological and psychological factors that require treatment.
• "It Won't Happen to Me": Mental health crises can affect anyone, regardless of background or previous mental health.
• "There's Nothing You Can Do": Early intervention and appropriate support can significantly improve outcomes.

 

 

Building Crisis Resilience

• Self-Awareness: Developing understanding of your own mental health patterns and triggers.
• Skill Building: Learning and practising coping strategies before you need them in a crisis.
• Support Network Development: Building and maintaining relationships that can provide support during difficult times.
• Professional Relationships: Establishing connections with mental health professionals before a crisis occurs.
• Regular Self-Care: Maintaining practices that support ongoing mental health and resilience.

 

 

Related Terms

• Suicide Prevention - Specific type of crisis intervention
• Crisis Intervention - Professional response to mental health crises
• Emergency Mental Health Services - Immediate professional help during crises

 

 

References

Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Nervous Breakdown. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22780-nervous-breakdown

NAMI Wisconsin. (2023). Mental Health Crisis Overview. https://namiwisconsin.org/resources/mental-health-crisis-overview/

Association for Children’s Mental Health. (2023). What to Expect When a Mental Health Crisis Occurs. https://www.acmh-mi.org/get-information/childrens-mental-health-101/expect-child-crisis/mental-health-crisis-expect-one-occurs/

 

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional crisis intervention. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. For mental health crises, call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) for immediate support.