Knowing the signs of crisis

A mental health “crisis” is generally a dramatic change in behavior that prevents someone from functioning as usual, or they express that they may harm themselves or others. Signs of a crisis can include:

• Difficulty functioning, such as trouble getting out of bed, going to work or doing daily tasks
• An unwillingness or inability to take care of one’s personal hygiene
• Intense or sudden changes in mood
• Psychosis such as hallucinations or delusions
• Sudden paranoia
• Feeling increasingly agitated, angry or violent
• Having suicidal thoughts or making plans
• Harming oneself or heavily self-medicating with drugs or alcohol
• Isolating or withdrawing from others

If you observe such alarming behaviors in someone, it’s important to engage that person in discussion about their condition and help arrange immediate assistance for them.