What Is a Mental Health Crisis?

A mental health crisis can be any situation in which a person’s behavior puts them at risk of hurting themselves or others, or if their emotions and behavior seem extreme and out of control, and/or prevent them from being able to care for themselves or function effectively.

With mental health conditions, it’s important to be prepared for the possibility of a mental health crisis. These emergencies can be difficult to predict, and can occur even when treatment plans have been followed.

What Can Cause a Mental Health Crisis?

Causes of mental health crises are complex, and determined by multiple combinations of factors, that can include:

Risk Factors
Mental illness
Prolonged stress
Other Stressors
Being in crowds or large groups of people
Experiencing community violence, trauma, natural disasters, terrorism
Pending court dates
Using or abusing drugs or alcohol
Starting new medication or new dosage of current medication
Treatment stops working
Stopping medication or missing doses

School or Work Stressors
Worrying about upcoming projects or tasks
Feeling singled out by co-workers or peers; feeling lonely
Lack of understanding from peers, co-workers, teachers or supervisors
Real or perceived discrimination
Failing grades, losing a job
Home or Environmental Stressors
Changes in relationship with others (boyfriend, girlfriend, partner, spouse)
Losses of any kind due to death, estrangement or relocation
Conflicts or arguments with loved ones or friends
Trauma or exposure to violence

Crises can occur even when treatment plans have been followed and mental health professionals are actively involved.

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Developing A Crisis Plan

Like any other health crisis, it’s important to address a mental health emergency quickly and effectively, and it’s essential that a person in crisis receives the care and response that is tailored to them and their needs.

A crisis plan is a proactive document, written by the person with a mental health condition and their support team. It contains critical information about their preferences for support, care and treatment in the event of a mental health crisis.

A crisis plan gives individuals a voice in their care, and it gives loved ones the information and answers they need to make sure that person gets the treatment and care that’s right for them.

Once developed, the plan should be shared with involved family, friends and health care professionals. The plan should be updated whenever there is a change in diagnosis, medication, treatment or providers.

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NAMI's downloadable templates can help you be prepared in case of a mental health emergency.

portable Treatment Record template Crisis Plan template relapse Plan template

NAMI Resource Guide: Navigating a Mental Health Crisis

In most kinds of health emergencies, there are instructions or resources -- like the Heimlich Maneuver or CPR – that are widely available.

But for mental health emergencies, there are no instructions on what to expect or how to help.

That’s why NAMI created Navigating a Mental Health Crisis: A NAMI Resource Guide for Those Experiencing a Mental Health Emergency.

‍The guide provides important, potentially life-saving information for those who live with mental health conditions and their families, caregivers and friends.

The guide covers:

what a mental health crisis is, and what to expect when one occurs.
what can contribute to a crisis, and warning signs that a crisis is emerging.
how to get help, and what to expect from mental health treatment.
how to advocate for a person in crisis.
what to do after a crisis.

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