Mental health issues can be overwhelming. It’s also very likely that each and every one of us will experience a mental health crisis at some point in our lives. From panic attacks to suicidal thoughts, the scale and severity of a mental health crisis can vary widely. If you see someone confronting challenging mental health issues, there are a few ways you can offer support.

1. Stay Calm and Listen
   The first step in helping someone who is going through a mental health crisis is to remain calm and listen to what they have to say. It’s essential to let the person know that you are there for them, that you care about them, and that they are not alone. Know that they may be feeling overwhelmed and unable to control their emotions. Your role as a support person is to be a calm and steady presence for them, and to listen without judgment or criticism.
   
2. Encourage Professional Help
   While you can be a helpful and supportive presence for someone going through a mental health crisis, it’s important to recognize that professional help may be necessary. Encourage the person to seek professional help from a therapist or other mental health professional. If the person is hesitant to seek help or doesn’t know where to start, offer to help them find resources in their community. You can search for mental health services in your area or help the person make an appointment with a licensed therapist.
   
3. Be Empathetic and Understanding
   Feelings of isolation and loneliness are common among people struggling with mental health issues. Show that you are empathetic and understanding of their situation, and validate their feelings. Try putting yourself in their shoes and imagining how difficult it must be to go through what they are going through. Let them know that their feelings are valid and that you are there to support them.
   
4. Take Care of Yourself
   Remember: supporting someone through a mental health crisis can be emotionally taxing. Make sure that you are taking care of yourself and seeking support as needed. Talk to a friend or family member about what you are going through, and don’t be afraid to seek professional help if you need it. Taking care of yourself will help you be a better support person for the person going through the mental health crisis. Also, if you feel uncomfortable or threatened at any time, remove yourself from the situation and seek help immediately.
   
5. Stay with the Person
   If the person is in immediate danger or is experiencing a severe mental health crisis, it may be necessary to stay with them until they receive professional help. If you feel comfortable doing so, stay with the person and help them feel safe and calm. If the person is experiencing suicidal thoughts, it’s important to take their thoughts seriously and seek professional help immediately. Call a crisis helpline or take the person to the emergency room if necessary.
   
6. Encourage Self-Care
   Self-care is essential for anyone going through a mental health crisis. Encourage the person to take care of themselves by getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and engaging in activities they enjoy. Self-care can also include taking breaks from social media and other stressors, spending time in nature, and engaging in mindfulness practices. Encourage the person to find activities that make them feel good and help them cope with their feelings.
   
7. Offer Practical Help
   When someone is going through a mental health crisis, they may be struggling with daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and taking care of themselves. Offer practical help such as making them a meal, helping them clean their home, or taking them to appointments. These practical acts of kindness can help the person feel supported and cared for during a difficult time.
   
8. Avoid Judgment
   Mental health issues can impact anyone. Avoid judgment when supporting someone through a crisis. These issues can be complex and multifaceted – and you often won’t know the complete picture. It’s not helpful to blame the person for their situation.

Again, it’s important to note: If you or someone you know is going through a mental health crisis, seek help immediately. Now, more than ever, it’s important to take care of yourself and those around you. That’s why we built the Copilot app – to help leaders recognize challenges, trends, and issues affecting an organization’s team members. Don’t go at it alone. Ask for help if you need it. Lend help if you can. Let’s help each other through this.