How should you respond to someone in crisis?

Responding to someone in crisis requires sensitivity and a proactive approach to ensure their immediate safety and emotional well-being. Expressing your concerns and informing the individual that you will get them help is crucial because it validates their feelings and demonstrates that you take their situation seriously. This approach can help establish trust, making the individual feel supported and less alone in their distress.

Furthermore, by indicating that you are willing to assist them in finding help, you provide a sense of hope and direction. This empowerment can be vital in a crisis, as it encourages the individual to engage with support services that might be necessary for their recovery. Offering assistance shows empathy and fosters a constructive conversation, further reducing the chances of escalated crisis behavior.

Engaging in other actions, such as dismissing their feelings, suggesting they manage alone, or changing the subject, can lead to feelings of isolation, resentment, or frustration for the person in crisis. These responses do not validate the individual’s experience and may increase their distress instead of helping them. Therefore, the most effective approach is to acknowledge their feelings and actively seek to support them.