10 Tips on How to Help a Family Member in Crisis

When someone is dealing with a crisis, it can be challenging for them to function properly. Often they are unaware of what is going on or cannot make the best decisions regarding their care. While most would use this as an opportunity to take advantage of the person in need, some would try to help out as much as possible. No manual will tell you exactly how to help a family member in crisis- everyone’s situation is different and unique. 

However, here are some tips that may prove helpful when trying to help a family member in crisis:

1) Try not to be judgmental

Someone being in a state of crisis does not necessarily mean they have done something wrong; instead, they are simply in a state where they need help making rational decisions and functioning correctly. If you are judgmental during this time, not only will it make the situation worse (which is something you want to avoid), but it can also cause your loved one to shut down and not open up to you about anything.

2) Try to be there for them

Often, people who are struggling with their mental health or aren’t doing well will feel like they don’t have anyone that cares about them and would try and push everyone away. While your family member may do this unknowingly, sometimes forcing themselves into complete isolation isn’t the best way to go about things; having someone who cares for them can help remind them that everything will be okay and improve their mental health. You can even try to help your family member find a therapist to get the help they need and start feeling better.

3) Be there if they want to talk about it

Often when someone is not doing well, they may not want to open up because of how overwhelming the situation seems. At this point, try encouraging them to speak with you about what’s going on by telling them that whatever they say will stay between the two of you- no one else needs to know unless they discuss it themselves. This makes them feel more comfortable speaking about what’s going on while also allowing you both to openly voice your concerns and figure out a way everyone can move forward from here.

4) Help them look for support

If your family member is interested in finding help, try looking on places like Facebook or Reddit to find mental health subreddits that can be of assistance. Sometimes all people need are other people who have been through the same experiences that they’re going through right now to offer their advice and encouragement; at different times, they may want professional help from a therapist or consider inpatient detox for substance abuse. Whichever it is, you should do what you can to make sure your loved one feels supported enough to get better.

5) Be understanding when things are hard for them

When someone is struggling with something as complex as mental illness, it’s normal for there to be days where they feel significantly down because nothing seems to work out properly- this does not mean your family member is trying to harm you. When they feel like this, try your best to help them through it by offering any support you can give and reminding them that there’s always another day where things can get better.

6) It’s okay to tell someone if their behavior seems harmful

If the person in crisis is purposefully harming themselves or others, there is no way you should ignore this- both for the sake of the other people involved and the person in need. While it may be natural to avoid dealing with something unpleasant, you also do not want someone close to you to get hurt because of neglecting their potential actions. Instead, call a therapist who can advise on what exactly to do.

7) Keep an eye out for any changes in behavior

When someone is struggling with mental health, it’s not unusual for their behavior to change over time- this could mean they become more withdrawn or seem less interested in things they did before. But while these changes are regular sometimes, it could also be a sign that something is wrong and your loved one needs help; if you notice them getting worse, talk to them about why they’re behaving like this, and hopefully, they’ll open up about what’s happening.

8) Be ready to give advice when asked for it, but don’t push too hard

While it may be difficult because you want to make sure your family member feels better, sometimes the best thing you can do for your loved one is to let them find their path to recovery without trying to make suggestions of your own. While they may seem like simple things, sometimes these actions can be the most useful for them- especially when they’re doing something with someone who knows how it feels.

9) Try not to take anything personally

When someone struggles with mental health issues, it’s easy for them to act differently towards everyone because of how overwhelmed they are by their emotions. Despite this, you must try hard not to blame yourself for what is happening- both because that isn’t helpful and because most people wouldn’t want anyone else to feel guilty about their problems either.

10) Be ready if things get worse or emergencies happen

It’s normal to feel scared when you see your loved one in trouble, but you must maintain your composure and figure out what you should do next. If they are in danger or need an ambulance, call 911 immediately. Otherwise, try looking up any advice online to help them through the crisis.

You can also get help if needed. 

Sometimes it might be hard for you to support someone because of your limitations such as time or money; in this case, try finding other people who can provide similar kinds of assistance instead- be it friends, family members, support groups, helplines, or hotlines which are available through many mental health organizations. These sources should provide the kind of help and information your loved one needs, whatever their situation is.

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