How To Stay Calm When A Loved One Is In Crisis

Nearly 4 million people every year make a plan to commit suicide, and 1.6 million actively attempt to end their own lives, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What if you find your loved one is feeling suicidal or is experiencing a mental health crisis?

• First and foremost, stay calm.
• Stay by their side or find someone who can be there.
• It may sound unconventional, but ask if they can delay any plans for a day. Emotions driving suicidal thoughts can sometimes become become more manageable with a bit of time.
• Inquire if they have any means of self-harm nearby,
  • Then remove those items or have someone else do it promptly.
  
  If you or someone close to you is contemplating suicide, seek help immediately. Call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or head to the nearest emergency room.

If you’re not sure how seriously someone is considering suicide, and need a guide to help you start what feels like a difficult conversation, try The Columbia Protocol, an assessment tool that can help you decide what questions to ask and determine how at-risk your loved one is for a suicide attempt.

If you don't feel confident about helping someone through a crisis, you can take them to the nearest emergency room or text or call the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. Unlike 911, where a dispatcher often immediately sends emergency services to your location, 988 services are designed to try to de-escalate the moment of crisis. Here’s what to expect when you call 988:

1. You’ll hear a recorded message that you’ve reached 988, and will have the opportunity to choose options that best fit you, including connecting with LGBTQ+ counselors or Veterans services. 
2. The service will put the call on hold for a moment while connecting you to a trained 988 call center counselor nearest you. Every 30 seconds, a message will encourage you to stay on the line. 
3. You will be connected to your trained crisis counselor. 
4. Your counselor will first ask if you are safe. 
5. Your counselor will listen, provide support, and share resources available in your area. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, grief, loneliness, or thoughts of self-harm, an experienced and compassionate therapist may be able to help you step out of the darkness. Find a Lifeologie therapist near you who specializes in depression and self harm at wefixbrains.com or text or call 988 to speak with a counselor who can help.