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What to Do in a Mental Health Emergency

December 02, 2024

In a mental health emergency, getting the right help quickly can make all the difference.

If you or someone close to you is facing a mental health crisis, the first step is ensuring safety. But knowing what to do or who to call can feel overwhelming.

We turned to Ari Steinberg, PhD, clinical program manager with The Webb Schools at Hartford HealthCare, for answers. Here’s how to get the care you need.

A mental health crisis can look (and feel) different for everyone.

The first step in a mental health crisis is to recognize it’s happening.

With guidance from Dr. Steinberg, here’s how to identify the signs of a mental health crisis:

• Emotional signs might include rapid mood swings, increased depressed mood, anxiety or irritability.
• Physical signs may show up as an inability to perform daily tasks like personal hygiene, going to school or work or increased isolation from others.
• Behavioral signs could involve physical aggression, destruction of property, impulsive or risky behaviors or self-harming actions.
• Cognitive signs include losing touch with reality, experiencing auditory or visual hallucinations, paranoia or having thoughts of suicide or harm toward oneself or others.

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If you’re experiencing a mental health emergency, reaching out for help is essential.

You’re never alone when dealing with a mental health crisis, and reaching out for help is important.

“The first step is to connect with a friend, family member or trusted person for support,” says Dr. Steinberg.

In some cases, however, you may need to prioritize safety.

“If someone is experiencing suicidal thoughts or there’s an immediate safety concern, they should call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or call 211 or 911.”

Calling 911 may activate law enforcement and medical responders, but you can also request specific mental health support.

“Requesting a Crisis Intervention Team officer can help bring a mental health perspective to the response, focusing on behavioral health support,” says Dr. Steinberg.

In addition to 911, there are other resources to consider:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Offers 24/7 access to mental health professionals, resource referrals and mobile crisis services.
• Mobile Crisis Services (211): Provides assessments and support, especially helpful for child and adolescent cases.
• Urgent Care Centers (for children/adolescents): Specializes in mental health crises, assisting with de-escalation, creating safety plans and coordinating care.
• ACTION Line (1-800-HOPE-135): The Adult Crisis Telephone Intervention and Options Network provides additional support for adults for crisis intervention and referral services.
• Current mental health providers (e.g., therapist, psychiatrist): You can request an immediate appointment or phone consultation.
• Emergency Department: Available for immediate, in-person assessment.

> Related: 4 Myths About Suicide

Here’s what to do (and not do) when helping someone in a mental health crisis.

Watching someone you care about go through a mental health crisis is challenging. Dr. Steinberg offers ways to provide support:

DOs

• Create a safe environment.
• Express support and concern.
• Remove any means of self-harm.
• Reach out to professional support or their personal support network.
• Take any talk of suicide seriously.

DON’Ts

• Don’t overreact.
• Avoid blaming or being judgmental.
• Don’t make promises you can’t keep, especially about secrecy.
• Don’t handle the situation alone.
• Avoid ultimatums or threats.

“Remind them they’re not alone and that many others face similar challenges,” adds Dr. Steinberg. “Validate and normalize their experience and ask them what they need now and will need moving forward.”

A crisis may be temporary, but the follow-up is important.

While challenging, a mental health crisis is often temporary, and reaching out for support is a crucial first step in looking ahead.

After a crisis, following up with care is essential—whether through resources provided during an intervention or by reconnecting with existing behavioral health providers.

“Together, we can create a plan—a roadmap with emergency contacts, trusted providers and steps to take during difficult times. Asking for help is a powerful choice, and every step forward is a step toward living the life you want. You don’t have to face this alone; support is here whenever you need it.”