If you or a loved one have experienced being in crisis, you know that a mental health crisis feels overwhelming. Oftentimes, people experiencing a mental health crisis don’t receive care or instructions on what to expect during or after the crisis.

The most important thing you can do when you or someone you know is in a crisis is to call for help. Acknowledging that you need help can be very difficult, but it’s actually one of the bravest things to do—even if you’re not sure where it will lead you. 

What is a mental health crisis? 

When a mental health condition is diagnosed in an individual, there is a potential for crisis. A mental health crisis is any situation when an individual’s thoughts, feelings or behaviors significantly impair their ability to function or pose a risk to their safety or the safety of others. They also might not be able to take care of themselves; this can include drinking water, eating properly, etc. Emotional distress or experiencing psychiatric symptoms might also indicate you are in a crisis.

Being in a mental health crisis can and will look different for everyone. During a crisis, a person may experience symptoms associated with co-occurring mental health conditions, such as panic attacks, psychosis or Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD). 

Sometimes, being in a mental health crisis can lead people to experience thoughts of self-harm or suicidality.

The risk of ending one’s life is a significant concern for those with mental health conditions. Encouraging someone to ask for help is the first step to safety. Mental health crises are like any other health crisis, and need to be treated with urgency and compassion. 

5 signs you may be in crisis

• Feeling unable to keep yourself safe — This can include thoughts of self-harm, violent behavior, verbal threats, or aggressive actions toward oneself or others.
• Intense emotions feel unmanageable — You might be experiencing rapid mood swings, a heightened energy level, restlessness or increased agitation.
• Disconnected from reality — This can manifest as losing touch with reality, inability to recognize friends or family, hearing voices, feeling dazed or confused.
• Inability to perform daily tasks or care for yourself — This could include brushing your teeth, taking a shower or changing one’s clothes.
• Urge to isolate, disappear, or shut down completely — This could look like not spending time with friends or family, isolation from work, school or other important events.

If any of these symptoms feels familiar to you, please don’t wait to reach out. There are professionals who are ready to help you. 

Actions to take immediately when you’re in crisis

• Call or text a crisis line — You can call or text 988, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, for immediate support. This line operates 24/7/365, and has trained and trusted professionals on the other line.
• Tell someone you trust — Talking to a person you feel comfortable with can help calm you down, and ground you. This could be a friend, family member, or coworker who may be able to support you through the next steps.
• Go to a safe space — Remove yourself from environments that contain weapons or other harmful materials if you are feeling like you might hurt yourself or others.
• Avoid alcohol or substances — Substance use may further escalate the crisis situation, and is another form of self-harm during a time of crisis.
• Ground yourself — Slow down, and focus on deep breathing. This can help relax your muscles, while in a state of panic.
• Seek clinical support right away — If there is not an immediate danger, contacting a mental health professional, such as a therapist, psychiatrist, or doctor can be helpful. A professional will be able to help you assess your situation or crisis, and create a plan. 

How Lightfully supports Californians in crisis

Here at Lightfully, we realize that not every crisis or condition requires hospitalization. That’s why we offer four different levels of care options, with programs targeted specifically to your needs. 

Every day, we strive to provide our clients with compassionate, clinical support that is focused on each individual, not just what they struggle with. Since every crisis experience is different, it’s important that we tailor our programs to the needs of the individual.

Lightfully’s levels of care include:

• Residential Treatment — 24/7 support during your crisis, in a therapeutic, homelike setting.
• Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) — Structured daytime care without implementing overnight care.
• Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) — Flexible, evidence-based daytime care for individuals.
• Virtual Services (vPHP & vIOP) — Clinical care delivered to your home from high-quality and exceptional professionals (available anywhere in CA).

You are not broken. You are not alone. And you don’t have to do this by yourself. 

Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step, reach out to Lightfully  online, or by phone, to begin healing today. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you. Asking for help isn’t weakness, it’s strength.