What To Do In A Crisis

What is a crisis? 

A mental health crisis can mean many things. Self-harm, suicidal thoughts, thoughts of hurting someone else, or putting yourself in a dangerous or illegal situation are all considered mental health crises. The most severe crisis is planning and/or making a suicide attempt. 

Handling a crisis 

If you are experiencing a crisis, the most important thing to do is reach out for help. Depending on the severity of the situation, reaching out might mean talking to a trusted loved one or to your health care provider, or going to the emergency room.

In a less severe situation, such as if you are experiencing self-harm thoughts or behaviors, confide in a loved one. 

Following that, you may want to talk to your mental health counselor or other health care provider.

If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, you should confide in a friend or family member and also consider calling the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 to talk to a trained counselor immediately.

In a severe crisis, such as planning a suicide attempt, go to the emergency room or call 911. 

You may wonder what the difference is between experiencing suicidal thoughts and planning a suicide attempt. Both are serious, but if you have thought of how, when, and where you will take your own life, this constitutes planning and means you need to get immediate professional help.