Mental Health Emergency

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HealthWiki > New Where There Is No Doctor > First Aid > Mental Health Emergency

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In this chapter:

 

In this chapter:

When someone’s thinking and perceptions make them want to hurt themselves or others, this is an emergency and they need help quickly. As with any other emergency, first try to check breathing, stop any bleeding, and check for other physical injuries. Then reassuring, calming, and comforting a person having a mental health emergency can save lives.

If someone says he wants to hurt himself or others, believe him.

If the person is dangerous to others, it is often easier to move other people away than to move him. You may need help to make him and the area around him safe. And look out for your own safety as well.

If he says he wants to hurt or kill himself, the first thing he needs is someone to listen calmly. Asking gentle questions can help interrupt his thoughts and get him the support he needs.

If someone says they plan to hurt themself or someone else, or you suspect they do:

• Show concern but not alarm.
• Ask directly, for example, “Are you having thoughts of ending your life?” or “Are you thinking about harming someone else?”
• People in crisis may feel undecided about suicide. Focus your words to support the part of the person that wants to live, while not ignoring or downplaying the part of them that wants to die.
• Suicide crises are often time-limited. Your goal is to get the person the immediate help they need to get through the crisis and into a different emotional state where they can get longer-term help.
• Be collaborative and honest. Say, for example, “I think it is important for you to connect with someone at the clinic about how you are feeling and what might help. Would you be willing to ride over there with me?”
• You do not have to help the person all by yourself. Talk with them for a while about what they are experiencing, and then say, “I am worried about your safety and I feel it is important for others who care about you to know you are feeling this way. Can we call your sister to help us think this through?” Or “I am worried about your safety and I would like us to call a hotline together so someone with more experience can help.”

This page was updated:04 Feb 2026