What to Do if Someone is in Crisis
Do you know someone in crisis?* Here are five steps you can take that are proven to help:
- Ask. It’s okay to ask questions like, “Are you thinking about self-harm? How do you hurt? How can I help?”
- Be there. Show support, listen, and connect.
- Help keep them safe. If the person is in crisis, it’s important to find out if they have a plan or ideas about timing or method. You can call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to support their crisis care.
- Help them connect with support to establish safety. Remind them about available services, and that they can contact 9-8-8 anytime 24/7, even in ASL.
- Follow up. Checking in can make a difference.
*We are creating a space to have safe discussions about difficult topics. If you have comments, please share with respect and consideration to others. Today, we are grateful to have accessible services like National Deaf Therapy, Deaf LEAD, Deaf Counseling Center, and more. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to support services such as your physician, the local ER, or the 988 hotline in ASL (https://988lifeline.org/ and click ASL NOW).
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Transcript and Video Description
[Video Description: The post has a video thumbnail with a teal shading overlaid. The middle has a text bubble that reads “5 steps to take if someone is in crisis” in white text with rose background. In the video: a young woman with clear glasses wears a dark orange button up shirt.
Transcript: Do you have a friend, family, or loved one who is experiencing a crisis? Here are five steps you can take to help. 1. Ask. It’s okay to ask questions like, “Are you thinking about self-harm? How do you hurt? How can I help?” 2. Be there. Whether it’s in person or through the phone, show support, listen, and connect. 3. Help keep them safe. If the person is in crisis, it’s important to find out if they have a plan or ideas about what they will do next. You can call 988 Lifeline to support their crisis care. 4. Help them connect. Connecting the person with support helps establish safety, such as 9-8-8, a therapist, doctor, and other services. Remind them that they can call, text, or chat with 9-8-8 anytime 24/7, even in ASL. 5. Follow up. Consistently check in; follow-ups afterwards can make a profound difference. [The screen fades to show a thumbnail of a faded white background of a doctor holding hands with another individual] Deaf. Healthy. DeafHealth. Learn more at www.deafhealthaccess.org.]