My friend is in a crisis, what do I do?

Similar to yesterday’s post, which you can read here, today’s post is about how you can help a friend/family member/loved one or someone in your life that is going through a crisis.

Like I mentioned in my previous post (from yesterday), if your friend/family member/loved one/ the person who is going through a crisis is threatening to harm themselves or others, please call emergency responsers ASAP (911). It is imperative as they are trained professionals and are able to take them to the hospital to get the help that they need. Another helpful resource to use is the suicide hotline. They are a 24 hour service that allows you to call in and speak to someone, who is trained in this specific area. I find that this is very important for anyone who feels as though they’ve got no one to talk to, or if they want to vent to someone. I’ll be sure to add a photo of the suicide hotline numbers for places worldwide at the end of this post.

Another important thing to remember when someone is going through a crisis is try to remain as calm as possible. I know this is a lot easier said than done. But you have to remember that adding to the already suspenseful and chaotic isn’t going to help, and may even make matters worse. I can speak from personal experience that it’s the hardest thing to do, not want to cry or have a breakdown when you’re caring for someone who is going through a crisis. But I remember that reminding myself to breathe and to remember how much that person needs me.

I think it’s important to remind the person who’s going through a crisis how important they are, and how valuable they truly are. Back when I was going through therapy, one of the quotes that therapist told me was about diamonds. They had asked me if a diamond, of any sort, was still valuable and beautiful even if it was rough around the edges. The answer is of course. So we treat these diamonds as something so valuable, unique, beautiful, and precious, why don’t we look at ourselves that way? In all reality, we are the same; valuable, unique, beautiful, and precious. So remind yourself, and others, of that.

Alex Newton is a nursing student and mental health advocate. She grew up in a small town and plans on moving to London, England one day and open up her own health practice. She has a cat named Maya who she adopted whilst going through some difficulties. She’s a daughter, sister, and warrior who enjoys a nice cuppa tea.