You can be a positive support if someone in your life is struggling with their mental health, thoughts of suicide or other crisis. Knowing how to respond can help you be a life-changing or life-saving support. You don’t have to do it alone. We’re here to help.
Supporting an adult in crisis
Supporting an adult in crisis
Warning Signs
Signs that someone may be experiencing a crisis can include:
- Avoiding friends or social activities
- Changes in sleeping habits or feeling tired or low energy
- Inability to carry out daily activities or handle daily problems
- Confused thinking or problems concentrating
- Excessive worry or anxiety
- Feeling chronically overwhelmed or stressed
- Increased use of drugs or alcohol
- Chronic issues with work performance or attendance
Risk Factors
Risk factors that can increase the chance that someone may experience a crisis can include:
- Family history of mental illness
- Adverse childhood experiences, such as trauma, abuse or witnessing violence
- Chronic medical conditions, such as cancer or diabetes
- Drug and alcohol use
- Significant life changes, such as loss of a job or death of a loved one
Learn more about available services
Phone, Text & Chat
Free, confidential crisis support is available by phone, text and chat. Our compassionate, nonjudgmental counselors are available 24/7.
Mobile Crisis Outreach
Mobile Crisis Outreach provides in-person crisis support at home, work or other community location. Available in select counties.
Violence Prevention Program
Intervention and prevention for those who have experienced gun violence or are at-risk of experiencing gun violence.
Access Center
24/7, walk-in support for adults experiencing a mental health or substance-use related crisis.
Community Based Crisis Stabilization
Short-term crisis support in the home to reduce the need for hospitalization or higher levels of care.
Connect with crisis support in your community
When a traumatic event occurs in our community, neighborhood or workplace, it can be difficult to know what to do next. We can help you and your loved ones after a crisis occurs. A community crisis can include a shooting, natural disaster, death by suicide or other traumatic event.
How you can help
You can be a trusted support when life gets tough for someone in your life. We can help.
Ask
Checking in with a loved one can help start a conversation about mental health. Studies show that asking about thoughts of suicide does not increase the risk that someone will attempt suicide. It can provide relief and an opportunity to get help.
Listen
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
Acknowledge what they’ve said and show empathy. You likely can’t fix the issue right away. But you can listen and show you care.
Encourage
Encourage them to seek supportive resources. this can include our crisis services or other community programs. Offer support that you’re able to provide.
Check in
Assure them they’re not alone. Make a plan to connect again soon to talk, go on a walk or do another activity they enjoy.
Caring for yourself while helping others
It’s important to take care of yourself while you’re supporting someone experiencing a crisis. Our counselors can help you learn to manage your emotions and stress during tough situations.