From Crisis to Stability: Steps to Take During a Mental Health Emergency.
When a loved one experiences a mental health crisis, it can feel overwhelming, frightening, and confusing. Whether they are experiencing severe anxiety, suicidal thoughts, psychosis, or an emotional breakdown, knowing how to respond can make a critical difference.
A mental health crisis doesn’t have to mean chaos—by staying calm and following a structured approach, you can help your loved one move from crisis to stability. Here are the key steps to take.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
In a crisis, emotions can escalate quickly, so your first priority is to remain as calm as possible. Your loved one may be experiencing distressing thoughts or behaviors, but your calm presence can help de-escalate the situation.
Ask yourself:
Is my loved one in immediate danger (to themselves or others)?
Are they able to communicate, or are they completely disconnected from reality?
Do they need professional intervention, or can I help stabilize them at home?
Your ability to assess the severity of the crisis will determine the next steps.
Step 2: Ensure Immediate Safety
If there is an immediate threat—such as suicidal thoughts, self-harm, violent behavior, or a medical emergency—call 911 or a crisis hotline. When making this call, be clear and direct about the situation:
For Suicidal Thoughts: If they have a plan and means to harm themselves, do not leave them alone. Call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 (U.S.) or your local emergency services.
For Psychotic Episodes: If they are experiencing delusions, hallucinations, or extreme paranoia, try to keep them in a safe, quiet environment and avoid arguing about their reality.
For Aggressive Behavior: Keep a safe distance, remove potential weapons or harmful objects, and call for professional help if needed.
If the situation is not immediately life-threatening but still serious, consider reaching out to a mental health professional or crisis intervention team.
Step 3: Communicate with Care
How you speak to your loved one during a crisis can either help calm them or escalate the situation. Use these communication techniques:
✔ Speak in a low, calm voice – Avoid yelling or reacting with panic.
✔ Use simple, reassuring language – “I’m here to help you.” “You are not alone.”
✔ Listen more than you speak – Allow them to express their feelings without judgment.
✔ Avoid arguing or correcting delusions – Instead of saying, “That’s not true,” try, “I hear that you’re scared. Let’s find a way to help.”
Your goal is to validate their emotions while guiding them toward a safer state of mind.
Step 4: Seek Professional Help
A mental health crisis often requires intervention from trained professionals. Depending on the situation, consider the following options:
Call a Crisis Hotline – 988 (U.S. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or local emergency mental health services.
Visit an Emergency Room – If they need urgent psychiatric care or are at risk of self-harm.
Contact a Mental Health Professional – Therapists, psychiatrists, or crisis intervention teams can provide support.
Mobile Crisis Units – Some areas have teams that respond to mental health emergencies instead of police.
If your loved one refuses help, you may still be able to reach out to professionals for guidance on next steps.
Step 5: Create a Plan for Stability
Once the immediate crisis has passed, the focus shifts to long-term stability. Work with your loved one and professionals to create a crisis prevention plan that includes:
🔹 A Support System – Family, friends, or support groups that can check in regularly.
🔹 Professional Treatment – Therapy, medication, or other treatment options.
🔹 Coping Strategies – Healthy routines, stress management techniques, and triggers to avoid.
🔹 Emergency Plan – A clear plan for what to do if another crisis occurs, including contact information for professionals and crisis hotlines.
Having a plan in place can reduce the likelihood of another crisis and provide a sense of security for both you and your loved one.
Step 6: Take Care of Yourself
Supporting someone through a mental health crisis can be emotionally and physically draining. Make sure to:
💙 Seek therapy or support groups for yourself.
💙 Set healthy boundaries to avoid burnout.
💙 Practice self-care through activities that recharge you.
You cannot pour from an empty cup—taking care of yourself is essential in being able to support your loved one effectively.
Final Thoughts: You Are Not Alone
Mental health crises can be terrifying, but with the right steps, they can also be managed. Your loved one needs support, but so do you. By staying calm, seeking professional help, and developing a crisis plan, you can help them move from crisis to stability.
If you or your loved one are struggling, ClearPath Family Solutions is here to help. Reach out to our team for guidance, support, and resources tailored to your family’s needs.
Would you like additional resources or local crisis support links included?
Maine Mental Health Crisis Hotlines & Emergency Services
📞 Maine Crisis Line – 1-888-568-1112 (Available 24/7)
This is the statewide crisis hotline for Maine, connecting individuals to crisis counselors and mobile crisis intervention teams.
📞 National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – 988
If you or a loved one is experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress, you can call or text 988 for confidential support.
📞 Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741
Free, 24/7 crisis support via text with trained crisis counselors.
🚨 Emergency Services – Call 911
If there is immediate danger (such as a suicide attempt, self-harm, or violence), call 911 and inform responders that it is a mental health crisis so they can respond appropriately.
Local Mental Health Support & Services in Maine
🔹 Maine Behavioral Healthcare – www.mainebehavioralhealthcare.org
Provides crisis services, outpatient therapy, and psychiatric care across the state.
🔹 NAMI Maine (National Alliance on Mental Illness - Maine Chapter)
📞 Helpline: 1-800-464-5767 (press 1)
🌐 Website: www.namimaine.org
Offers support groups, education, and advocacy for individuals and families dealing with mental illness.
🔹 Sweetser Crisis Services – www.sweetser.org
📞 Crisis Hotline: 1-888-568-1112 (same as the Maine Crisis Line)
Provides mobile crisis intervention, therapy, and peer support services.
🔹 Maine DHHS Behavioral Health Services – www.maine.gov/dhhs/obh
Offers mental health resources, crisis services, and links to community-based programs.
Support Groups & Additional Help
💙 NAMI Maine Family Support Groups
Free support groups for families supporting a loved one with mental illness. Find a local group here: www.namimaine.org/supportgroups
💙 Maine Warm Line – 1-866-771-9276
A non-crisis support line for people who need someone to talk to but are not in immediate danger.
💙 Youth & Teen Support – The Trevor Project
📞 Lifeline: 1-866-488-7386
📱 Text "START" to 678678
🌐 Website: www.thetrevorproject.org
Crisis and mental health support for LGBTQ+ youth.