Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
Crisis Support
How to Help Someone in a Mental Health Crisis
Practical steps for what to say, what not to say, and when to call for help when someone you care about is in crisis.
Published March 23, 2026
When someone you care about is in crisis, it’s scary. You want to help, but you might not know what to do or say. This guide walks through practical steps you can take.
Recognize the signs
A mental health crisis can look different for different people. You might notice:
- Talking about wanting to die or hurt themselves
- Saying they feel hopeless or trapped
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Giving away belongings
- Sudden mood changes — very calm after being very upset
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs
- Acting reckless or aggressive
Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is.
What to say
When someone is in crisis, your words matter. Here’s what can help:
“I’m here. I’m listening.”
Sometimes people just need to know they’re not alone.
“You’re not a burden.”
Many people in crisis worry they’re bothering you. Tell them they’re not.
“This feeling won’t last forever.”
Crisis moments feel permanent, but they’re not. Remind them of that.
“What can I do right now to help?”
Let them tell you what they need. Don’t assume.
“I care about you.”
Simple. Direct. True.
What NOT to say
These phrases can make things worse, even if you mean well:
“Just think positive.”
Crisis isn’t about attitude. This can feel dismissive.
“Other people have it worse.”
Pain isn’t a competition. This minimizes what they’re going through.
“You’re being dramatic.”
Never say this. Ever.
“Have you tried yoga/exercise/vitamins?”
Crisis isn’t the time for wellness tips.
“You don’t really want to die.”
Don’t tell someone what they feel. Listen instead.
Stay with them if you can
If someone is in immediate danger, don’t leave them alone. Stay until help arrives or the crisis passes.
If you can’t stay physically, stay on the phone. Keep them talking. Ask questions. Let them know you’re there.
In rural parts of West Virginia, this can be hard. Cell service drops. Houses are far apart. Do the best you can. If you lose signal, try calling back or texting.
When to call for help
Call 911 if:
- Someone has a weapon
- Someone has taken pills or hurt themselves
- Someone is threatening to hurt themselves or others right now
- You believe someone’s life is in immediate danger
Call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) if:
- Someone is talking about suicide but not in immediate danger
- You need help figuring out what to do
- You want to talk to a crisis counselor
Call (800) 615-0122 (Southern Highlands crisis line) if:
- You need local help in Southern West Virginia
- You want to connect someone to a mobile crisis team
- You’re not sure if it’s an emergency but you’re worried
You won’t get in trouble for calling. It’s better to call and be wrong than not call and regret it.
What happens when you call
If you call 988 or the local crisis line, a trained counselor will answer. They’ll ask what’s happening and help you figure out next steps. They may:
- Talk you through how to keep the person safe
- Send a mobile crisis team to where you are
- Help you decide if 911 is needed
- Connect you to follow-up services
If you call 911, police and/or paramedics will come. Their job is to keep everyone safe. If the person is a danger to themselves or others, they may be taken to a hospital for evaluation.
After the crisis
Once the immediate danger has passed, the work isn’t done. Here’s what helps:
Check in regularly.
A text. A call. A visit. Let them know you’re still there.
Help them connect to ongoing support.
Crisis counseling. Therapy. Medication management. Whatever they need.
Take care of yourself.
Helping someone in crisis is exhausting. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
Don’t take it personally if they push you away.
Crisis can make people withdraw. Keep showing up anyway.
What if they won’t get help?
This is one of the hardest situations. You can’t force someone to get help unless they’re an immediate danger to themselves or others.
What you can do:
- Keep the lines of communication open
- Let them know help is available when they’re ready
- Take care of your own mental health
- Set boundaries if their behavior is harming you
You can’t save someone who doesn’t want to be saved. But you can be there when they’re ready.
A note about privacy in small towns
One reason people in Southern West Virginia avoid getting help is fear of everyone finding out. “What if I see someone I know at the clinic?” “What if word gets around?”
Crisis counselors are bound by confidentiality. They can’t share what you tell them unless someone is in immediate danger. Even in small towns, your information is private.
If privacy is a concern, ask about telehealth options or appointments at less busy times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I call 988 and they send police?
988 counselors only involve police if there’s immediate danger. They’ll work with you first to try to help without sending anyone.
Can I call the crisis line for myself if I’m overwhelmed?
Yes. If you’re struggling to help someone and it’s affecting you, you can call for support too.
What if the person gets mad at me for calling for help?
They might. Crisis can make people angry. But if you believe they’re in danger, it’s better to have them mad and alive than not call and regret it.
How do I know if it’s serious enough to call?
If you’re asking this question, it’s serious enough. Crisis counselors would rather hear from you early than wait until things are worse.
What if I’m wrong and it’s not actually a crisis?
That’s okay. Better to check and be wrong than ignore it and be right.
If you feel like someone might hurt themselves or someone else, call or text 988 or call 911 right away. If you need help but it’s not an emergency, call (800) 615-0122 to reach Southern Highlands’ crisis line. Mobile crisis teams are available in Mercer, McDowell, and Wyoming counties.