SUPPORTING SOMEONE HAVING A BREAKDOWN, AND ALTERNATIVES TO 911
Witnessing someone experience a mental breakdown can be intense and overwhelming. Whether it’s a friend, loved one, neighbor, or even a stranger, your instinct may be to call 911. But depending on the situation, law enforcement involvement isn’t always the safest or most supportive route—especially for people in marginalized communities.
From a wellness perspective, dealing with someone in crisis requires calm, compassion, and clarity. Here’s how to support someone having a mental breakdown—and what to do instead of calling 911.
What Is a Mental Breakdown?
A mental breakdown—also called a psychological or emotional crisis—isn’t a clinical diagnosis, but it generally refers to a period of intense mental distress. The person may feel overwhelmed, disoriented, unable to cope, or disconnected from reality. Symptoms might include:
Panic or uncontrollable crying
Confusion, paranoia, or delusions
Aggressive or erratic behavior
Withdrawal or shutting down entirely
Talk of self-harm or suicide
Understanding that the person is in distress, not danger, can help you respond more supportively.
Steps to Support Someone in Crisis
1. Stay Calm and Grounded
Your energy matters. Speak softly, move slowly, and breathe deeply. Your calm presence can help regulate the other person’s nervous system.
2. Ensure Physical Safety (Theirs and Yours)
Make sure the environment is safe. If there are sharp objects or anything that could be used for harm, gently move them out of reach. If the person becomes physically aggressive, prioritize your safety and avoid escalating the situation.
3. Listen Without Judgment
Say things like:
“I’m here with you.”
“You’re not alone right now.”
“I’m not judging you.”
“I want to help in a way that feels good for you.”
Avoid trying to fix, argue, or diagnose. Just be present.
4. Help Them Reconnect with the Moment
If they’re dissociating or panicking, grounding exercises may help:
“Can you name five things you see?”
“Can you feel your feet on the floor?”
Offer water, a warm blanket, or something sensory like a textured object or essential oil.
Alternatives to Calling 911
While calling emergency services may feel like the only option, it's important to consider alternatives—especially if police involvement might escalate the situation.
Mental Health Crisis Lines
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Dial 988
Available 24/7 for mental health, substance use, or suicidal crises.Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741
Confidential and free support via text from trained counselors.National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline – 1-800-950-NAMI
Provides guidance and support for helping someone in distress.
Mobile Crisis Units
Many communities have mobile crisis teams—mental health professionals who come to the person in crisis, often instead of police.
Search “[your city/county] + mobile crisis team” or check local health department websites. These teams are trained to de-escalate and connect individuals with ongoing care.
Peer Support Warm Lines
Warm lines are operated by people with lived mental health experience. They offer non-emergency emotional support:
https://warmline.org for a national directory.
When to Call 911
If someone is in immediate danger (e.g., actively attempting suicide, severely injured, or threatening others), you may need to call 911. If you do:
Clearly request a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) officer.
Explain it’s a mental health emergency and emphasize that the person is unarmed.
Stay on the line to provide updates.
Compassion First, Always
Supporting someone through a breakdown can be frightening, but it’s also an opportunity to show deep compassion. You don’t have to be a therapist to make a difference. You just have to show up, listen, and treat the person with dignity.
Wellness means community care—not just self-care. By learning how to respond with empathy and awareness, we contribute to a safer, more connected world for everyone.