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What to Do During a Mental Health Crisis

A mental health crisis can feel overwhelming, whether you are experiencing it yourself or supporting someone you care about. Knowing when to seek help and where to turn can make a meaningful difference.

A crisis looks different for everyone, but it may involve a situation where someone’s safety, emotions, or ability to cope feels out of control. Reaching out early can help prevent a situation from becoming more overwhelming or unsafe.

Need Support Now?

Support is available 24/7. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call 708-6-CRISIS to speak with a trained crisis worker.

Outside the area or looking for national support? Call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

If there is immediate danger or a medical emergency, call 911.

Signs Someone May Be Experiencing a Mental Health Crisis

A mental health crisis can involve emotional, behavioral, or physical changes. Some warning signs may include:

  • Sudden changes in behavior or mood
  • Loss of interest in daily activities
  • Isolation or withdrawing from others
  • Talking about death or suicide
  • Confusion, panic, or difficulty staying grounded
  • Self-harm or increased substance use
  • Severe agitation or unusual behavior

If something feels concerning, trust your instincts and encourage the person to seek support.

How to Support Someone in a Crisis

If someone is experiencing a mental health crisis, try to remain calm and listen without judgment. Let them know they are not alone and that help is available.

You do not need to have all the answers or handle the situation on your own. Supporting someone may simply mean staying present, helping them connect with professional support, or encouraging them to contact a crisis resource.

Depending on the situation, helpful next steps may include:

  • Contacting a therapist or psychiatrist
  • Calling a crisis line
  • Reaching out to a trusted friend or family member
  • Seeking emergency medical support
  • Connecting with a mobile crisis response team

If there is an immediate danger to someone’s safety, seek emergency assistance right away.

When to Call 911

Call 911 immediately if:

  • A weapon is involved
  • Someone has serious physical injuries
  • There is immediate danger or violence
  • Urgent medical care is needed
  • A crime is in progress

Crisis Support Resources

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988 to connect with trained crisis counselors available 24/7 for free and confidential support.

National Crisis Text Line

Text “NOW” to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.

Illinois Warm Line

If you are not in crisis but need someone to talk to, call 866-359-7953 and select option #5. The Warm Line connects individuals and families with specialists and mentors who can provide emotional support and guidance.

Pillars Community Health Crisis Intervention Services

Pillars Community Health provides 24/7 Crisis Intervention Services to help stabilize personal and family emergencies involving:

  • Suicidal or homicidal behavior
  • Severe emotional distress
  • Mental health crises
  • Family conflict
  • Aggressive or unsafe behaviors

Call 708-6-CRISIS to speak with a crisis worker.

At Pillars Community Health, crisis support is part of whole-person care. Our teams work to connect individuals and families with compassionate support, stabilization services, and ongoing care.

You are not alone, and support is always available.

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