We all go through hard times with stress being a normal, even positive part of daily life. But, what happens when the stress becomes too much for a person to handle? Recognizing when a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis is vital in getting them the proper care they need. Whether you’re experiencing it yourself or supporting someone else, knowing what a mental health crisis is, how to recognize one, and how to respond, can be life saving for yourself and your loved ones.
What is a Mental Health Crisis?
A mental health crisis isn’t just a “bad day.” It’s when someone’s ability to cope with stress gets overwhelmed. We all have a baseline level of functioning–our “normal.” But when something big hits—a breakup, a job loss, a trauma—and we don’t have the resources to self-regulate, it can send us into a heightened state of distress.
A common misconception is that someone must be experiencing an extremely traumatic event to be in a crisis, but it can look different for everyone. It’s not always dramatic or obvious. It can be something like the end of a relationship or losing your job and feeling incredibly overwhelmed.
In these moments, you or your loved ones can feel stressed out, unable to problem-solve, and may even have suicidal thoughts, indicating you may need professional support to get through it.
Different Levels of Crisis
Just like a physical illness, there are levels of mental health crises that require different types of care. At most crisis-focused facilities, clients are assessed—or “triaged”—to figure out the right level of support. Sometimes someone can come in, talk with a professional, develop a plan, and go home. Other times, more intensive support is needed.
The key is identifying what kind of help someone needs now, whether that’s a brief intervention, ongoing counseling, or immediate stabilization.
When Should You Call for Emergency Help?
Knowing when to involve emergency services is critical. If you or your loved one is in immediate danger, call emergency services. Law enforcement should be reserved for immediate physical danger. However, if the situation isn’t immediately life-threatening, mobile response units like crisis teams or hotlines can be a better first step. These services are trained to de-escalate situations and can prevent unnecessary trauma. You can search online for “Mobile Crisis Response in my Area,” and options should pop up.
If someone is struggling but not in immediate danger, you can support them in the moment, then help them connect with a therapist or crisis center. Sometimes just staying present with them is enough to bring things back down.
How Do You Know If Someone Is in Crisis?
The first step is noticing changes. Some red flags:
- Big shifts in behavior (e.g., someone outgoing becoming withdrawn)
- Sudden irritability or emotional outbursts
- Avoidance or disconnection from loved ones
- Unusual risk-taking or impulsive behavior
While uncomfortable, it’s okay to ask someone directly if they’re having suicidal thoughts. It won’t “put the idea in their head.” In fact, it opens the door for them to share what they might be too scared to say otherwise. Assess if they have any immediate means or plans of harming themselves, for example are there any weapons or medications in the home.
There are also helpful trainings like ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) that teach everyday people how to respond to someone in crisis. These aren’t just for professionals—anyone can benefit from knowing how to help.
What Caregivers Should Watch For
Caregivers, especially parents, should keep an eye out for behavioral changes and withdrawal. With teens, it’s a long game. Focus on building trust and keeping open communication.
Avoid judgment or punishment-based reactions when your child opens up. Even the most well-meaning parents can accidentally shut down important conversations by reacting with anger or fear. Instead, create regular moments for non-judgmental conversations. Let your kid know they can talk to you about anything.
How to Help Prevent or Ease a Crisis
Prevention often starts with everyday self-care—but not the bubble bath kind (though those help, too). Real self-care means:
- Getting enough sleep
- Eating regular meals
- Doing the “boring” things like laundry or dishes
- Setting boundaries
- Using positive, compassionate self-talk; challenge that negative inner voice in your head
Self-care is taking care of your mental and physical health, even when you don’t feel like it. It is the boring mundane little things we do each day that add up and impact our stress levels and quality of life. We can’t control stressors, but we can control how we respond to them.
This blog post was contributed by Jaime Swift, Clinical Director at the Southeast Regional Crisis Center.
Nexus Family Healing is a national nonprofit mental health organization that restores hope for thousands of children and families who come to us for community mental health services, foster care and adoption, and residential treatment. For over 50 years, our network of agencies has used innovative, personalized approaches to heal trauma, break cycles of harm, and reshape futures. We believe every child is worth it — and every family matters. Access more resources at NexusFamilyHealing.org/resources.