Get Help Now

First you need to figure out how severe and urgent the crisis is. Ask yourself: 

• Are one or more people in danger of getting hurt?
• Is emergency assistance needed?
• Is there time to call for outside help?

If someone is injured or their health is in danger, call 911. If appropriate, ask the operator to send someone trained in mental health, like Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) officers.

If you’ve assessed a crisis is happening, your first goal must be to create a safe space for anyone who could be in harm’s way. Do your best to make items such as drugs, sharp objects, guns, belts and ropes, vehicles and heavy machinery out of reach.

If someone you know is going through a crisis, you may be able to de-escalate it yourself by remaining calm and empathetic. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) you should:

• Keep your voice calm
• Avoid overreacting
• Listen to the person
• Express support and concern
• Avoid continuous eye contact
• Ask how you can help
• Keep stimulation level low
• Move slowly
• Offer options instead of trying to take control
• Avoid touching the person unless you ask permission
• Be patient
• Gently announce actions before initiating them
• Give them space, don’t make them feel trapped
• Don’t make judgmental comments
• Don’t argue or try to reason with the person

Sometimes folks in a crisis aren’t able to communicate their needs, or won’t be receptive to de-escalation. If that’s the case, call 911 or one of the emergency resources listed above to get professional, immediate crisis intervention help.