How you can support your community

Be prepared for a crisis

You can help your community be prepared to respond to a mental health-related crisis or prevent one from occurring.

Many crises happen without warning. By preparing yourself and others before a crisis occurs, you can feel capable of responding to an individual experiencing a crisis no matter when it may occur.

Everyone plays a role in suicide prevention and intervention. Individuals in roles such as educators, social services providers, health care workers and other public service positions, may be more likely to encounter individuals experiencing a mental health or suicidal crisis.

Remember – Always ask for help when dealing with a crisis. If a suicide attempt has occurred or you feel an individual is at imminent risk of attempting suicide, call 911.

Responding to a crisis

While every situation is unique, a basic understanding of how to respond when a crisis occurs can help you remain calm, support others and know where to go for help.

Assess the situation

If you witness someone you feel may be experiencing a mental health, suicidal or substance-use related crisis, it’s important to assess the situation. Only provide help if you feel it is safe to do so. If you do not feel safe providing support, call 911.

Listen

If safe, talk to the individual. Show empathy and compassion. If someone shares that they are having a hard time, it’s important to listen. Give them time to express themselves without trying to fix things.

Show empathy

Show humanity, compassion and concern for individuals involved.

Encourage

Help connect them with positive, supportive resources. This can include our crisis services or other community programs.