A mental health crisis is when someone’s behaviors prevent them from functioning or indicate they might harm themselves or others. A crisis can feel overwhelming, and it might seem as if the coping skills you usually have no longer work. Psychiatric crises and emergencies are unique to the person, but they can look similar in how a person experiences and behaves during the crisis. Many people are unable to take care of themselves, have worsened symptoms of preexisting mental health conditions, and threaten or attempt self-harm. Though untreated mental health conditions can lead to a crisis, it’s a misconception that this is the only time they occur. Things happen — mental health crises can occur in people without a diagnosed mental health condition and in people following a treatment plan. If you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis, get help - if it is an emergency, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (988). For non-emergencies, talk with your doctor and talk with a therapist. For more information please see the SJUMC Mental Health Ministries page.