I'm worried about their mental health and suicide risk

Addiction and mental health crises often occur together, with suicide risk significantly elevated during active addiction. Warning signs include talking about death, giving away possessions, social isolation, dramatic mood changes, and expressions of hopelessness. This is always a medical emergency requiring immediate professional intervention.

Warning signs requiring immediate action:

• Direct statements about wanting to die or hurt themselves
• Giving away prized possessions or writing goodbye letters
• Sudden calmness after period of depression or agitation
• Increased substance use during emotional crisis
• Isolation from family and friends
• Talking about being a burden or having no reason to live
• Research about suicide methods or acquiring means

Immediate response steps:

• Take all suicide threats seriously - never dismiss or minimize
• Stay with them or ensure someone reliable does
• Remove access to weapons, medications, or other means
• Call 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for immediate guidance
• Call 911 if imminent danger exists
• Contact their mental health provider if they have one

Professional intervention options:

• Emergency room evaluation for immediate safety assessment
• Crisis intervention team (CIT) police response
• Mobile crisis response teams in your area
• Involuntary psychiatric hold if person refuses help and is in danger
• Crisis stabilization units designed for mental health emergencies

Family support during crisis:

• Stay calm and don't argue about their feelings
• Listen without trying to solve all their problems
• Avoid leaving them alone during acute crisis
• Coordinate with other family members for continuous support
• Remove substances and potential self-harm items from environment

Long-term safety planning:

• Professional mental health treatment for both addiction and depression
• Medication evaluation for depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions
• Regular check-ins about mood and suicide thoughts
• Safety plan with specific steps and emergency contacts
• Integration of addiction treatment with mental health care

What not to do during crisis:

• Don't promise to keep suicide plans secret
• Don't argue about whether life is worth living
• Don't leave them alone if they're in immediate danger
• Don't wait to see if they're serious about threats
• Don't try to handle severe mental health crisis without professional help

1. Assess immediate danger - are they actively planning or preparing for suicide?

1. Ensure safety - stay with them and remove access to means of self-harm

1. Contact professionals - call 988, 911, or crisis services immediately

1. Coordinate care - connect addiction treatment with mental health services

1. Create safety plan with professional guidance for ongoing protection

They may resist professional help, become angry at family involvement, or deny the seriousness of their statements. Mental health crisis can escalate quickly, especially with active addiction. Professional intervention often requires multiple attempts and may include involuntary psychiatric holds. Long-term recovery requires treating both addiction and underlying mental health conditions.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 24/7 crisis support and professional consultation

911: For immediate danger - request Crisis Intervention Team if available

East Point Behavioral Health: (855) 887-6237 - Integrated addiction and mental health treatment

Emergency Rooms: Immediate psychiatric evaluation and safety assessment

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for crisis support