Watching someone you care about struggle with a mental health crisis can be overwhelming and heartbreaking. You may feel helpless or unsure of what to do, but your support can make a life-changing difference. A mental health crisis is often defined as a situation in which a person’s thoughts, feelings, or behaviors put them at risk of harming themselves or others, or make it impossible for them to function day-to-day. This can include severe anxiety or panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, psychosis, self-harm, or substance misuse. Many wonder how to help their loved one during a mental health crisis.
At Revolution Recovery, we’ve worked with countless families who have been in your shoes. We understand how frightening and isolating a mental health crisis can feel, which is why we’re committed to equipping families with the knowledge, tools, and support needed to help your loved one during a mental health crisis. Our goal is to empower you to act with compassion and confidence, knowing that professional care is available.
Recognize the Signs of a Mental Health Crisis
One of the first steps in helping your loved one is to recognize the warning signs of a mental health crisis. These signs can vary, but often include:
- Talking about wanting to die or self-harm
- Severe mood swings, agitation, or rage
- Withdrawal from family, friends, and activities
- Extreme anxiety, panic, or inability to function at work or school
- Hallucinations, delusions, or erratic thinking
- Increased substance use or reckless behaviors
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), one in five U.S. adults experiences a mental health condition each year, and nearly one in 25 lives with a serious mental illness (source). These statistics underscore the importance of being prepared—mental health crises are far more common than many people realize.
Stay Calm and Offer Immediate Support
If your loved one is in crisis, your calm presence can make a big difference. Approach them with empathy and without judgment. Use gentle, supportive language, such as “I’m here for you” or “You’re not alone.” Avoid criticizing or minimizing their feelings, as this can exacerbate the situation.
If there is an immediate risk of harm, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. In the U.S., you can also dial 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, for immediate support. Stay with your loved one if possible until help arrives.
At Revolution Recovery, we teach families how to recognize crisis situations and respond in ways that reduce risk and provide comfort. Being present, listening, and staying calm can help de-escalate the moment and reassure your loved one that support is available.
Encourage Professional Help
A mental health crisis often signals that professional treatment is urgently needed. Encourage your loved one to seek help from a mental health provider, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed therapist. Offer to help them research treatment options, make phone calls, or attend appointments.
We at Revolution Recovery provide a variety of evidence-based mental health and addiction treatment programs designed to stabilize, support, and empower individuals in crisis. From partial hospitalization to intensive outpatient programs, our services address the root causes of distress and teach healthier coping strategies. We also offer dual diagnosis treatment for those experiencing both mental health conditions and substance use challenges.
Be Part of Their Support System
Your involvement doesn’t stop once your loved one enters treatment. People in crisis often feel isolated and misunderstood, so ongoing family support is essential. Attend family therapy sessions if available, learn about their condition, and communicate openly with their treatment team (with your loved one’s consent).
We involve families in the treatment process at Revolution Recovery because we’ve seen how it strengthens outcomes. Family members learn how to set healthy boundaries, improve communication, and support their loved one’s recovery without enabling harmful behaviors. Together, we create a network of care that extends beyond our program and into the home environment.
Practice Patience and Self-Care
Supporting someone through a mental health crisis can be emotionally exhausting. It’s normal to feel frustrated, scared, or even burned out. Remember to take care of yourself by seeking support from friends, therapy, or family groups. Practicing self-care ensures you’ll have the emotional bandwidth to continue helping your loved one.
At Revolution Recovery, we often remind families that healing is a process, not a quick fix. Recovery takes time, and setbacks may occur. By maintaining patience and compassion—for both your loved one and yourself—you’ll create a more stable foundation for long-term progress.
Help Them Build Coping Strategies
Once the immediate crisis is over, work with your loved one to identify coping skills that can prevent future emergencies. This might include developing a crisis plan, practicing stress-reduction techniques, or establishing a healthier daily routine. Encourage them to continue therapy, take medications as prescribed, and attend support groups.
Our team at Revolution Recovery helps clients build these strategies into their treatment plans. We teach practical tools for managing stress, regulating emotions, and recognizing triggers—skills that benefit not just the client but the entire family.
The Role of Professional Treatment
While your support is invaluable, professional treatment provides the structure and expertise needed to manage and overcome mental health crises. Our clinicians at Revolution Recovery are trained to assess complex situations, provide crisis stabilization, and develop individualized care plans that address the underlying issues contributing to your loved one’s distress.
Whether your loved one needs intensive day treatment, ongoing outpatient therapy, or specialized care for co-occurring disorders, we’re here to guide you through the process. By combining clinical expertise with compassion, we help individuals move from crisis to stability and long-term wellness.
Take the First Step With Revolution Recovery
Helping a loved one through a mental health crisis can feel daunting, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Revolution Recovery, we’re here to support both you and your loved one every step of the way. We offer comprehensive, evidence-based mental health programs in a safe, welcoming environment where healing can begin.
If someone you care about is experiencing a mental health crisis, contact us today to learn how we can help. Together, we’ll create a plan that provides immediate support and long-term solutions—empowering your loved one to find hope, stability, and a brighter future.