Mental health crises can be overwhelming – both for the person experiencing them and for those supporting them. Whether someone is in emotional distress, experiencing a panic attack, or at risk of harm, staying calm and knowing how to respond is key.

This guide is here to help you recognise a crisis and respond with confidence, care, and clarity.

What is a Mental Health Crisis?

A mental health crisis is any situation where someone’s behaviour, mood or mental state puts them at risk of harm to themselves or others, or they are unable to cope safely without support.

Common examples:

• Expressing suicidal thoughts or intent
• Self-harm or threat of self-injury
• Acute panic or anxiety attacks
• Psychotic episodes (e.g. hearing voices, severe confusion)
• Severe distress, withdrawal, or disorientation
• Substance misuse that puts the person at risk

💡 You don’t need to diagnose the situation – if your instinct says someone is not safe or not coping, treat it as a crisis.

What to Do in a Crisis

1. Stay calm and present
   • Your calmness helps create a sense of safety
   • Use a steady, soft voice and slow your movements
   • Focus on grounding yourself first – then help them do the same: I’m here with you. You’re not alone.”
2. Ensure immediate safety
   • Is the person in physical danger?
   • Are there items nearby that could be used to self-harm?Can you move to a quieter, safer space?
   • If there is immediate risk of harm, call 999/112 and stay with the person until help arrives.
3. Use simple, supportive language
   • Ask open, calm questions:
     • “Can you tell me how you’re feeling right now?”
     • “Are you feeling safe at the moment?”
   • Validate their experience:
     • “That sounds really frightening.”
     • “It’s okay to feel overwhelmed – I’m here to help.”
4. Encourage grounding techniques
   • • “Can you name five things you can see?”
     • “Take a slow breath with me – in for four, out for four.”Help them focus on the present:
   • Use calm, repetitive reassurance: “You’re safe. I’m staying with you.”
5. Get professional help
   • If the risk is high, call emergency services (999/112)
   • For urgent but not life-threatening support, call NHS 111 (option 2) or a local mental health crisis team
   • You can also encourage the person to speak to a GP or contact a mental health charit* for ongoing support

What to Avoid in a Crisis

❌ “Calm down!” (can escalate anxiety)

✅ “You’re safe. Take your time – I’m here.”

❌Giving long explanations or lots of information

✅Keep it short, calm, and simple

❌ Minimising the situation (“You’ll be fine”)

✅Acknowledge the distress (“That sounds really hard”) |

❌Asking too many questions at once

✅Let them speak at their own pace

❌Judgemental or shocked reactions

✅Stay neutral and supportive

❌Leaving them alone (if unsafe)

✅ Stay with them or find someone who can

After the Crisis

A mental health crisis can be a frightening and overwhelming experience – not just for the person involved, but also for those supporting them. What happens after the crisis is just as important. It’s a time for healing, reflection, and rebuilding trust and confidence.

After a crisis – whether it involved suicidal thoughts, self-harm, panic, or psychosis – the individual may feel:

• Exhausted or emotionally drained
• Embarrassed or ashamed
• Relieved it’s over – or anxious it could happen again
• Disconnected from others
• Unsure how to move forward or what support they need

💡 Everyone responds differently. Some people bounce back quickly; others need time, space, and reassurance.

How You Can Help

1. Check In – Gently and Regularly
   • “I’ve been thinking of you – how are you feeling today?”
   • “I just wanted to say I’m here if you want to talk or hang out.”
   • Don’t be afraid to reach out – it shows you care.
   • Keep it casual and pressure-free. Let them set the pace.
2. Create a Sense of Safety
   • Keep things predictable and consistent
   • Avoid dramatic reactions or big emotional responses
   • Be a calm, steady presence
   • “You don’t have to talk about anything you’re not ready for – I’m just glad you’re here.”
3. Encourage (But Don’t Force) Support
   • “Have you thought more about speaking to your GP or a therapist?”
   • “Would you like me to help you look into support options?”
   • Signposting is still important after a crisis – they may now be more open to help.
   • Offer to assist with practical steps, like making an appointment or going with them.
4. Respect Their Boundaries
   • They may not want to talk about the crisis – and that’s okay.
   • Don’t push for details or explanations.
   • Let them take the lead in what they share.
5. Focus on Small, Supportive Actions
   • Invite them for a walk, coffee, or a calm activity
   • Help with daily tasks if they’re struggling
   • Celebrate small wins (e.g. attending an appointment, getting outside). Sometimes the little things make the biggest difference.
6. Watch for Ongoing Risks
   • Are they isolating again?
   • Showing signs of low mood, hopelessness, or high anxiety?
   • Expressing thoughts of self-harm or suicide?

If you’re concerned about their safety, don’t ignore it. It’s okay to ask directly:

• “Are you feeling safe today?”
• “Have those thoughts come back at all?”

💡 Trust your instincts – if something doesn’t feel right, encourage urgent support.

Looking After Yourself Too

Supporting someone after a crisis can be emotionally draining. It’s okay to:

• Feel uncertain or emotional
• Set boundaries if needed
• Seek support or supervision if you’re in a professional role

Supporting someone after a mental health crisis is about showing up with patience, empathy, and consistency. You don’t need to fix things – just being there, checking in, and helping them take gentle steps forward can be incredibly powerful.

You might be the steady voice they need to remind them: recovery is possible, and they don’t have to go it alone.