How To Help Someone With A Mental Breakdown

A mental breakdown, often referred to as an emotional crisis, can be an overwhelming and distressing experience for both the individual experiencing it and those around them. If someone you care about is going through a mental breakdown, it can be difficult to know what to do. However, your support and presence can make a significant difference during this challenging time.

Here are some compassionate, effective ways you can help someone in the midst of a mental breakdown:

1. Stay Calm and Provide a Safe Space

The first step in helping someone through a mental breakdown is to remain calm. When a person is overwhelmed by their emotions, they often feel like they are losing control, and it can be easy for both of you to become more distressed if you're not able to stay composed.

Create a safe, quiet environment: Take them to a calm and quiet place if possible. This might be their room, a quiet area, or even outside in nature. Reduce distractions, loud noises, or anything that may escalate their anxiety.
Stay with them: Let them know that they’re not alone. Simply sitting with them can be very comforting, even if you’re not saying anything. Your presence can make a big difference in helping them feel safe.

2. Listen Without Judgment or Offering Solutions

In the midst of a mental breakdown, the person may not be able to articulate exactly what is happening or why they’re feeling the way they do. However, simply having someone listen can be a tremendous relief.

Offer a listening ear: Let them talk if they feel like it, but don’t push them to share more than they are comfortable with. Sometimes they just need to express their emotions without the fear of being judged or misunderstood.
Avoid trying to fix it: It's natural to want to offer advice or solutions, but during a breakdown, the individual may not be able to process information or even hear suggestions. Instead of offering advice, simply validate their feelings. Phrases like, “I can see you’re really overwhelmed right now,” or “It’s okay to feel like this” can help them feel heard and understood.

3. Encourage Deep Breathing or Grounding Exercises

When someone is having a mental breakdown, they may experience rapid breathing, dizziness, or a sense of disconnection. One effective way to help them regain control is by guiding them through deep breathing exercises or grounding techniques.

Deep breathing: Encourage them to take slow, deep breaths to calm their nervous system. You can guide them by saying, “Let’s take a deep breath in for four counts, hold for four, and then breathe out slowly for four counts.” Repeat this process several times. Deep breathing helps reduce stress and anxiety.
Grounding exercises: You can help them ground themselves by encouraging them to focus on their senses. For example, ask them to identify five things they can see, four things they can touch, three things they can hear, two things they can smell, and one thing they can taste. This can help them reconnect with the present moment and reduce feelings of disorientation.

4. Encourage Professional Help If Necessary

While your support is important, it’s essential to understand when the person needs more than just immediate care. If they’re experiencing a mental breakdown that seems to be more than a temporary emotional response, encouraging them to seek professional help is crucial.

Be supportive, not forceful: Gently suggest that they speak to a therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist. You can say something like, “I know you’ve been going through a lot, and talking to a professional might really help you sort through these feelings.”
Help with logistics: Offer to assist them in finding a mental health professional or accompany them to an appointment, if they’re comfortable with that. Sometimes, making the first step can feel daunting, so offering this kind of support can ease their anxiety.

5. Offer Reassurance and Avoid Minimizing Their Feelings

During a mental breakdown, people may feel like their emotions are out of control, and they might feel ashamed or embarrassed about what’s happening. It’s important that you reassure them and avoid minimizing their feelings.

Offer reassurance: Let them know that mental health challenges are common and nothing to be ashamed of. You might say, “I’m here for you. This is tough, but we’ll get through it together.”
Don’t minimize their feelings: Avoid saying things like, “It’s not that bad” or “Just snap out of it.” These statements can make someone feel invalidated and worsen their distress. Instead, let them know you acknowledge how difficult it is, such as, “I know this is really hard right now.”

6. Help Them Reconnect with Their Body

A mental breakdown often causes a disconnect between the mind and body. People experiencing a mental breakdown might feel detached from reality or their surroundings. Helping them reconnect with their physical body can aid in emotional stabilization.

Offer a warm drink or snack: Sometimes, basic self-care like offering a glass of water, tea, or a healthy snack can ground a person and help them feel more physically comfortable.
Offer physical comfort: If they’re open to it, a hug or a reassuring touch on the shoulder can offer comfort. However, always respect their boundaries — some people may prefer to be left alone during this time.

7. Set Up a Plan for Coping After the Breakdown

Once the immediate crisis has passed, it’s important to help the person create a plan for recovery and coping moving forward. Mental breakdowns can often leave individuals feeling exhausted, drained, and vulnerable.

Encourage rest and recovery: Encourage them to rest, whether that’s through sleep, quiet time, or some other form of self-care.
Suggest healthy coping mechanisms: After the breakdown, help them think through ways they can manage stress and prevent future breakdowns. This might involve regular therapy, engaging in hobbies, practicing mindfulness, or seeking emotional support from friends or loved ones.

8. Stay Connected and Follow Up

After the initial breakdown, it’s important to check in on the person and continue offering support. Someone who has had a mental breakdown may still be feeling fragile, and staying connected helps them feel cared for and supported in their healing process.

Follow up regularly: A text, a phone call, or a visit can go a long way in showing that you’re there for them. Ask how they’re feeling and if there’s anything you can do to support them.
Provide a sense of stability: Consistent emotional support can help them regain their sense of stability and encourage their recovery.

9. Know When to Seek Emergency Help

If you believe the person’s mental breakdown is a result of a more severe mental health issue or they are in immediate danger (e.g., contemplating self-harm or suicide), emergency intervention is necessary.

Call for help immediately: In these situations, it’s crucial to call a crisis hotline or emergency services. In some cases, professional help may be required for immediate stabilization, including a trip to the emergency room or psychiatric evaluation.

Conclusion

Dealing with someone having a mental breakdown can be difficult and emotionally taxing, but your support can make a real difference in helping them through the crisis. Stay calm, offer a listening ear, encourage professional help, and make sure they feel heard and understood. Most importantly, remember that mental health issues are not signs of weakness, and with the right support, the person can work through their feelings and find healing.

By offering compassion, patience, and practical help, you can provide the assistance that’s needed during this challenging time. Never hesitate to reach out for professional help when necessary, as mental health professionals are trained to provide the best support during times of crisis.