ADVICE

It’s often difficult to know the best way to help someone who is experiencing a mental health crisis and/or when to intervene and seek professional assistance. It’s best to familiarize yourself with the crisis resources available in your area BEFORE there is a mental health crisis.

If you are with someone in crisis and you are not sure what to do, don’t be afraid to call a crisis hotline and let the crisis worker know about the situation and your concerns. They can help you assess whether a professional intervention is called for.

If someone in a mental health crisis is threatening their own or another’s safety and/or has ingested something or harmed themselves in a potentially life threatening way, call 911 immediately. Let dispatch know that the person is experiencing a mental health crisis.

Resources

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services/Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

https://www.samhsa.gov/brss-tacs/recovery-support-tools/peers

National Association of Peer Supporters

https://www.peersupportworks.org/

Copeland Center for Wellness and Recovery 

https://copelandcenter.com/our-services/certified-peer-specialist-training-cps

Mental Health America

https://www.mhanational.org/what-peer

National Alliance on Mental Health

https://naminycmetro.org/support-groups/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw0oyYBhDGARIsAMZEuMuxptWVj--IHCSqUEKKaRAdE2xueieJMk2SfwM7SrmZlSc0Umutm3waAuCqEALw_wcB