Things to Say to Someone Going Through a Mental Health Crisis

Navigating a conversation with someone experiencing a mental health crisis can feel overwhelming, but your presence and words can make a huge difference. The key is to be supportive without judgment. What you say can provide comfort, validate their feelings, and encourage them to seek professional help. Here are some things you can say to someone in a mental health crisis.

Friends having a conversation

Start with Validation and Empathy

When someone is in crisis, they often feel isolated and misunderstood. Validating their feelings shows them that you see and hear them, which is a powerful first step.

• "I'm here for you." This simple statement offers immediate support. It lets them know they're not alone and that you're a safe person to talk to.

• "Thank you for trusting me with this." This acknowledges their vulnerability and the courage it takes to open up. It helps build a foundation of trust.

• "That sounds incredibly difficult, and I'm so sorry you're going through this." This phrase validates their pain without trying to fix it. It shows empathy and a recognition of their struggle.

• "It makes sense that you feel this way." When someone is spiraling, their thoughts and feelings can seem irrational to them. This phrase reassures them that their emotional response is a normal reaction to an abnormal amount of stress.

Encourage Them to Share (Without Pressure)

Creating a safe space for them to talk is crucial. Avoid bombarding them with questions, and instead, use open-ended prompts that invite them to share as much or as little as they're comfortable with.

• "I'm ready to listen whenever you are." This puts the ball in their court and removes any pressure to talk right away.

• "Can you tell me more about what you're feeling?" This gentle prompt shows you're interested in their perspective and not just waiting for your turn to talk.

• "What's on your mind right now?" This is a non-threatening way to start the conversation and focus on their present feelings.

Offer Practical Support

Sometimes, the best thing you can do is offer tangible help. People in crisis may find simple tasks impossible to manage, and your help can lighten their load.

• "Is there anything I can do for you right now?" This is a direct offer of help. Be prepared to follow through with whatever they need, whether it's a ride to an appointment, help with groceries, or just sitting with them in silence.

• "Let's look up resources together." This is a collaborative approach to finding help. It's less intimidating than telling them to go find a therapist on their own.

• "How can I best support you in this moment?" This question is great because it puts them in the driver's seat. It respects their autonomy while still offering a helping hand.

Avoid These Phrases

Just as important as knowing what to say is knowing what not to say. While these phrases often come from a place of good intention, they can be dismissive or unhelpful.

• "Cheer up." or "Just be positive." This invalidates their feelings and suggests that their crisis is something they can simply "snap out of."

• "Everyone feels that way sometimes." This minimizes their unique pain and can make them feel like their struggle isn't serious enough.

• "You have so much to be grateful for." While it might be true, this statement can evoke feelings of guilt or shame. It's not a helpful perspective when someone is in crisis.

• "It's all in your head." Mental health crises are very real and telling someone it's "all in their head" is extremely dismissive and can be harmful.

Your goal is not to be a therapist, but to be a supportive friend. By listening with an open heart, validating their experiences, and offering gentle, practical support, you can be a crucial source of strength for someone navigating a difficult time.

If you are in crisis, get immediate help:

• Call 911.

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline): 988 for English or Spanish, or Lifeline Chat

• Crisis Text Line: Text SIGNS to 741741 for 24/7, anonymous, free crisis counseling.

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