How can I know if my mental health is urgent?

When you are living with a mental illness, there are times when you lose your emotional balance. This can put your health or even your life at risk. It can be hard to know what to do when you're in the midst of a crisis, so it's good to think ahead. These steps will help you be prepared.

1. Identify sources of support.

   There are many places to go when you are in crisis. These are just a few ideas. You may have others. For example, you can contact:

   • A trusted friend or family member. Make a list of people you can rely on in a crisis situation.
   • Your doctor or mental health professional.
2. Assess your situation.

   Have you experienced a mental health crisis before? What happened then? What led to it? What signs or symptoms did you have?

   Then think about what is happening now. What symptoms are you experiencing? Are they similar to what you were experiencing before? Are they getting worse? Is there a possibility that you may be hurting yourself or someone else?

   This is also a good time to think about how you overcame a previous crisis. What coping strategies helped you? Can you use them this time?

3. Get the help you need.

   Don't be afraid or ashamed to ask for help. We all need support from time to time, and there are people who want to help. The sooner you get support, the sooner you will get over the crisis.

   • Seek help right away if you think you may be in danger. For example, you have a plan to hurt yourself or someone else. But you better know what signs mean that you are having a crisis. If you're not sure, seek emergency help. Call 911 or go to the emergency room and tell them you are having a mental health crisis.
   • If you are struggling, but you are not in danger right now, reach out to sources of support. For example, call a trusted friend or family member. Tell them how you are feeling and ask if they can stay with you until you feel better. Or call a crisis hotline for advice and support.
   • Also call your doctor or mental health professional. They can help you decide how to proceed. You may need additional or different treatment.

   Where to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

   If you or someone you know is talking about suicide, self-harm, mental health crisis, substance use crisis or any other emotional disturbance, get help immediately. You can:

   • Call Suicide and Crisis Services at 988.
   • Call 1-800-273-TALK(1-800-273-8255).
   • Text HOME to 741741 to access the crisis text line.

   Save these numbers in your phone.

When to call for help

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• You feel like you can't stop yourself or someone else from getting hurt.

Where you can get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

If you or someone you know is talking about suicide, self-harm, mental health crisis, substance use crisis, or any other emotional distress, get help immediately. You can:

• Call Suicide and Crisis Services at 988.
• Call 1-800-273-TALK(1-800-273-8255).
• Text HOME to 741741 to access the crisis text line.

Memorize these numbers in your phone.

Call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical help if:

• You have one or more warning signs of suicide. For example, call if:
  • You feel the urge to give away your possessions.
  • You are using illegal drugs or drinking heavily of alcohol.
  • You talk or write about death. This may include writing suicide notes and talking about guns, knives, or pills.
  • You have begun to spend a lot of time alone or are spending more time alone than usual.
• You hear voices.
• You begin to behave aggressively, which is not normal for you.

Monitor your health changes carefully and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.